Brief Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Prevent Suicide Reattempts: A Feasibility Study in Swedish Psychiatric Inpatient Care

Suicide attempts and self-harm represent major public health concerns, with approximately 11,000 individuals in Sweden requiring emergency or inpatient care each year following suicidal behaviour. The period immediately following discharge from psychiatric inpatient care is associated with an extremely elevated risk of suicide, with studies indicating up to a 200-fold increase compared to the general population. Despite this high-risk period, there is currently a lack of structured, evidence-based psychological interventions specifically designed for inpatient psychiatric settings, where care primarily focuses on pharmacological treatment and acute stabilisation.

Brief Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (BCBT) is a structured, four-session psychological intervention based on cognitive behavioural principles and specifically adapted to target suicidal behaviour. BCBT is grounded in the Fluid Vulnerability Theory of suicide, which conceptualises suicide risk as a dynamic process influenced by both enduring vulnerabilities and acute stressors. The intervention aims to reduce suicide risk by targeting modifiable cognitive, emotional, and behavioural processes, enhancing coping skills, and preventing the activation or escalation of suicidal crises.

This study is a single-arm feasibility study designed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of BCBT among adult psychiatric inpatients in Sweden. A total of 20 participants aged 18 years or older will be recruited from inpatient psychiatric units at Psykiatri Sydväst and Psykosvård Stockholm.

Participants will receive four individual BCBT sessions delivered by trained clinical psychologists during the participants' inpatient stay. Each session lasts approximately 60-90 minutes and focuses on specific therapeutic components. The first session includes psychoeducation, a narrative of the suicide attempt, and development of an individualised case conceptualisation and safety plan. The second session focuses on cognitive flexibility and identifying reasons for living, including the creation of a "hope box". The third session addresses restriction of access to lethal means and development of coping strategies, including coping cards. The fourth session focuses on consolidation of skills and relapse prevention, including guided imagery exercises to prepare for future crises. If discharge occurs before completion, sessions may be continued after discharge. All participants will continue to receive treatment as usual in accordance with standard inpatient care.

In addition, semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with patients, focusing on the acceptability, perceived effects, and satisfaction with the treatment. The investigators will also conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with treating psychologists, clinical staff, and managers (approximately 8-12 participants). These interviews aim to explore feasibility, and barriers and facilitators to implementation of BCBT in routine inpatient psychiatric care.

Inclusion criteria

• admitted following a suicide attempt within one week of admission or presenting with suicidal ideation with a plan and a prior suicide attempt within the last two years
• 18 years or older

Exclusion criteria

• current mania, current acute psychosis, or cognitive impairment
• expected inpatient stay shorter than four working days
• ongoing or planned electroconvulsive therapy
• psychiatric or somatic conditions leading to inability to provide informed consent