Veteran Research Study
Researchers at the VA San Diego Healthcare System are conducting a study to find out whether smartphone assessments can measure risk factors of suicide in Veterans.
Fast Facts
Veterans Ages 18-65
Receiving Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Compensation Provided
Conducted in San Diego, CA
Study Background
Application of a Mobile Health Platform for Assessing Cognition and Psychiatric Symptoms in Veterans
Suicidal thoughts impact many veterans. Unfortunately, rates of suicidal behaviors have not gone down over time, so researchers are continuing to work toward new ways to identify people who might be at risk for suicide. To better understand suicide risk among Veterans, this study will use smartphone assessments to measure thinking skills, emotions and relationships with others.
Veterans will be asked to complete interviews about their mental health history as well as complete a few tests of thinking skills. Then, they will be sent assessments to their smartphones for 14 days. Finally, they will complete two follow-up visits, which will involve a brief interview and a review of medical records.
Study Background
Application of a Mobile Health Platform for Assessing Cognition and Psychiatric Symptoms in Veterans
Suicidal thoughts impact many veterans. Unfortunately, rates of suicidal behaviors have not gone down over time, so researchers are continuing to work toward new ways to identify people who might be at risk for suicide. To better understand suicide risk among Veterans, this study will use smartphone assessments to measure thinking skills, emotions and relationships with others.
Veterans will be asked to complete interviews about their mental health history as well as complete a few tests of thinking skills. Then, they will be sent assessments to their smartphones for 14 days. Finally, they will complete two follow-up visits, which will involve a brief interview and a review of medical records.
Additional Information
This study will determine if smartphones can be used to identify why some Veterans think about suicide. We hope to better understand identified risk factors of suicide so that these factors can be targeted in treatment. Overall, we hope that this study will contribute to suicide prevention among Veterans.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-65
- Veteran
- Receiving outpatient mental health treatment
- Own a smartphone
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Recent (past month) contact with mental health care provider with intent to continue care
- Willing to provide an emergency contact
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of psychotic or bipolar disorder
- Neurodegenerative (e.g., dementia) or neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD)
- History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition
- Moderate or severe alcohol or substance use disorder in past 3 months
This study involves 4 components: one intake assessment, 2 weeks of smartphone assessments, and two remote follow up visits.
The intake appointment lasts about 3.5 hours and is the only in-person portion of the study. If preferred, the intake can take place over two separate visits (one remote visit lasting about 2 hours and one in-person visit lasting about 1.5 hours).
Then, participants will be asked to complete 14 days of quick smartphone-based brain games and surveys. The brain games and surveys are very brief (about five minutes), and occur six times per day arranged around participants’ personal schedule.
The two follow up visits, each lasting 30 minutes, will take place 6 and 12 months after the first visit via telehealth. During these follow ups, study personnel will review a participant’s medical chart to view their healthcare use.
Participants may be compensated up to $168 for participating in all parts of the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.