Journal article

Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers

Jo Robinson, Sarah Hetrick, Sara Gook, Elizabeth Cosgrave, Hok Pan Yuen, Patrick McGorry, Alison Yung

BMC PSYCHIATRY | BMC | Published : 2009

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions that can reduce risk; however research indicates that maintaining contact either via letter or postcard with at-risk adults following discharge from services can reduce risk. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a 3-year randomised controlled trial conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne Australia. Participants are young help-seekers aged 15-24 who are at risk of suicide. Partici..

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Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Professor Jorm for his contributions to the study and Alison Hughes for her contribution to this manuscript. This study is funded by a grant from the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. Orygen Youth Health Research Centre is affiliated with Melbourne Health and the University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry and it receives funding from the Colonial Foundation and via a Program Grant from the National Health & Medical Research Council.