OBJECTIVES: To explore outcomes of preventive programs and psychosocial treatments for suicidal ideation and behaviour in gender sub-groups in mixed gender studies and in studies limited to one gender.
METHODS: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which included women or men only, or reported and/or examined outcomes of psychosocial interventions in mixed gender samples.
RESULTS: Twenty-seven (18%) of RCTs reported or examined differences in intervention outcomes. Five (33%) of the mixed gender RCTs reported greater effectiveness for females than males. The review identified promising interventions in female-only samples. None of the trials reported greater effectiveness of the intervention in men.
CONCLUSION: The majority of reviewed studies looking at treatment outcomes in gender sub-groups showed no differences between women and men or indicated that some psychosocial interventions are effective for women. There is a need for studies which look at gender effects and development of interventions more effective and appealing for men at risk of suicide.