A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive behavioural treatments for suicidal and self-harm behaviours in adolescents.

Abstract

Although cognitive–behavioural (CB) treatments are recognised as evidence-based interventions for depression and other disorders in adolescents, their efficacy in reducing suicidal and self-harm behaviours in this group remains equivocal. First, a systematic review of the literature was carried out (N = 25 studies) on CB treatments for adolescents who presented suicidal ideation, had made suicide attempts, or engaged in self-harm. Results suggest that the scientific quality of past studies is suboptimal. Second, a meta-analysis of the pooled data of 14 CB treatment studies was conducted using a pre–post control group design. Results indicate a significant treatment effect in reducing suicidal ideation (n = 13/14 studies; g = −.40, 95% CI [−.30, .49], z = 7.95, p = .001). A significant effect was observed also with respect to self-harm (n = 8/14 studies; g = −.27, 95% CI [−.17, .38], z = 4.96, p = .001). However, no significant effect was found for suicide attempts (n = 6/14 studies; g = −.01, 95% CI [−.13, .14], z = .07, p = .94). The poor effect observed in this case could be due to low baseline prevalence of suicide attempts in most studies owing to active exclusion of adolescents at high risk for suicide.

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Counseling on the Well-Being of Self-Harming Emerging Adults

“…The results of this study are consistent with the studies conducted by Lucerna (2017), Labelle et al (2015) and Brausch and Girresch (2012). The CBT group counseling was an effective method for delivering psychological interventions and treatments for anxiety and depression to these emerging adults (Lucerna, 2017).…”

Is cognitive behavioural therapy effective in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviour when delivered face-to-face or via e-health? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…They included Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with CBT for adults (SMD = −0.775, 95% CI: −1.051 to −0.498), and then carried out a subgroup analysis on CBT alone for adults (SMD = −0.562, 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.302) and both showed a significant treatment effect. Labelle, Pouliot, and Janelle (2015) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of CBT for suicidal and self-harm behaviours in adolescents and found a significant treatment effect in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harm but not for suicide attempts. They included DBT studies in addition to CBT studies, but did not separate them in the meta-analysis.…”

What is the relationship between dissociation and self‐harming behaviour in adolescents?

“…Recently, however, there have been reports of an increase in rates of ADSH: by as much as 68% in adolescent females aged 13 to 16 between 2011 and 2014 (Morgan et al, ), and ChildLine has reported that 18,471 (20%) of their 92,891 counselling sessions in the year 2015/2016 related to self‐harm (NSPCC, ). However, a recent review of currently available psychological interventions for ADSH (Labelle, Pouliot, & Janelle, ) reported a significant effect in only eight of 14 identified studies. This indicates that improvement is required in the treatments available for young people engaging in DSH.…”