Citation

Int. J. Cogn. Ther. 2008; 1(2).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

In the article, "Cognition and Suicide: Two Decades of Progress," by Thomas E. Ellis and Billy Rutherford (International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 2008, 1(1) 47-68), an error is present on p. 60. A subheading was inadvertently omitted, such that a review of outcome research on Cognitive Therapy for suicidal individuals appeared in the section on Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The section on Cognitive Therapy should read as follows: Cognitive Therapy Over the past several years, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have published a series of articles describing and testing a brief (around 10 sessions) outpatient cognitive-behavioral therapy program based on Beck's theory of suicide (e.g., Berk, Henriques, Warman, Brown, & Beck, 2004). This program is specifically focused on identifying and modifying beliefs, images, and other cognitive processes that become activated prior to suicidal acts. Vulnerability factors such as poor problem-solving and impulsivity are addressed, and patients are coached in effective coping behaviors, such as seeking social support. An important and innovative aspect of the program is tracking and referral services, which occurred throughout the 18-month follow-up period. During treatment, case managers remind patients of appointments; after treatment is concluded, they contact study participants regularly by phone or mail, and they secure permission to contact specific significant others if they are unable to reach patients. Successful completion of the program is assessed by means of a relapse prevention task, in which thoughts, images, and feelings associated with the index suicide attempt are deliberately primed to determine whether patients are able to respond in an adaptive way (Brown et al., 2005). In a recent clinical trial, 120 individuals with a recent, serious suicide attempt were randomized to this therapy program or treatment as usual (Brown et al., 2005). The participant mix was diverse: Racial proportions were 60% black and 35% white; major depression was diagnosed in 77% of the participants, 68% of the patients had a substance use disorder, and 85% of the participants had more than one diagnosis.

RESULTS showed that patients in the CBT condition had a trend toward a lower dropout rate (25% vs. 34%) and that fewer patients in the CBT condition made another suicide attempt during the 18-month follow-up period (24% vs. 42%). The calculated hazard ratio was 0.51, suggesting that patients in the CBT group were less likely by half than comparison group patients to attempt suicide during the study period. The CBT group also showed significantly greater reductions in depression and hopelessness; both groups showed reductions in suicidal ideation over the study period, with no significant difference between treatment conditions. © 2008, Springer International Publishing. All rights reserved.

Language: en