Feasibility and validity of ecological momentary assessment in the investigation of suicide risk

Emerging trends in suicide prevention research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to present notable findings and developments in suicide prevention research and in particular, strategies to detect persons at risk for suicide as well as strategies to reduce suicide risk among the general population and specific risk groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

Popular strategies to detect persons at risk for suicide include scanning social media posts, prediction models using electronic health record data as well as the use of experienced sampling methodology to enhance our understanding of the suicidal process. Emerging approaches to reduce suicide risk include the development of media reporting recommendations, mass media campaigns to improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as well as technology-enhanced interventions.

SUMMARY

Recently, promising approaches to detect individuals at risk for suicide as well as effective strategies to reduce suicide risk emerged. Whether these new opportunities will translate into an effective reduction in suicide rates remains to be demonstrated.

Deep Sequential Models for Suicidal Ideation From Multiple Source Data

This paper presents a novel method for predicting suicidal ideation from electronic health records (EHR) and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data using deep sequential models. Both EHR longitudinal data and EMA question forms are defined by asynchronous, variable length, randomly sampled data sequences. In our method, we model each of them with a recurrent neural network, and both sequences are aligned by concatenating the hidden state of each of them using temporal marks. Furthermore, we incorporate attention schemes to improve performance in long sequences and time-independent pre-trained schemes to cope with very short sequences. Using a database of 1023 patients, our experimental results show that the addition of EMA records boosts the system recall to predict the suicidal ideation diagnosis from 48.13% obtained exclusively from EHR-based state-of-the-art methods to 67.78%. Additionally, our method provides interpretability through the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) representation of the latent space. Furthermore, the most relevant input features are identified and interpreted medically.

An Approach for Data Mining of Electronic Health Record Data for Suicide Risk Management: Database Analysis for Clinical Decision Support

BACKGROUND

In an electronic health context, combining traditional structured clinical assessment methods and routine electronic health-based data capture may be a reliable method to build a dynamic clinical decision-support system (CDSS) for suicide prevention.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the data mining module of a Web-based CDSS and to identify suicide repetition risk in a sample of suicide attempters.

METHODS

We analyzed a database of 2802 suicide attempters. Clustering methods were used to identify groups of similar patients, and regression trees were applied to estimate the number of suicide attempts among these patients.

RESULTS

We identified 3 groups of patients using clustering methods. In addition, relevant risk factors explaining the number of suicide attempts were highlighted by regression trees.

CONCLUSIONS

Data mining techniques can help to identify different groups of patients at risk of suicide reattempt. The findings of this study can be combined with Web-based and smartphone-based data to improve dynamic decision making for clinicians.

Variability in Suicidal Ideation is Associated with Affective Instability in Suicide Attempters with Borderline Personality Disorder

Objective: Suicidal ideation (SI) is heterogeneous with different patterns and risk factors. SI can be persistent with stable severity, but may also fluctuate rapidly over a short period of time. The latter pattern is likely associated with affective instability and may consist of activation of SI at times of stress, that then subside. Although affective instability is a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD), little is known about SI variability in BPD. We hypothesized that SI variability would be associated with affective instability in BPD suicide attempters. Method: Sample included 38 females with BPD and history of suicidal behavior. SI was assessed over 1 week using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) at six epochs daily. The relationship between SI variability (i.e., change of SI from one epoch to another) and SI severity (i.e., average scores across epochs), and affective instability, assessed using the Affective Lability Scale (ALS), were examined. Possible confounding effects of depression severity and impulsiveness were tested. Results: Participants demonstrated high ALS scores and wide range of SI variability. ALS scores predicted SI variability, even after controlling for depression severity. Although ALS also predicted SI severity, this association was driven by depression severity. ALS did not correlate with impulsiveness score. Conclusions: Affective instability may predict SI variability in BPD suicide attempters independent of depression severity. This supports our model of suicidal subgroups with different constellations of clinical aspects and risk factors. Future studies could examine these associations in larger samples and different populations to determine implications for suicide prevention.

Looking to the Future: A Synthesis of New Developments and Challenges in Suicide Research and Prevention

Suicide and attempted suicide are major public health concerns. In recent decades, there have been many welcome developments in understanding and preventing suicide, as well as good progress in intervening with those who have attempted suicide. Despite these developments, though, considerable challenges remain. In this article, we explore both the recent developments and the challenges ahead for the field of suicide research and prevention. To do so, we consulted 32 experts from 12 countries spanning four continents who had contributed to the International Handbook of Suicide Prevention (2nd edition). All contributors nominated, in their view, (i) the top 3 most exciting new developments in suicide research and prevention in recent years, and (ii) the top 3 challenges. We have synthesized their suggestions into new developments and challenges in research and practice, giving due attention to implications for psychosocial interventions. This Perspective article is not a review of the literature, although we did draw from the suicide research literature to obtain evidence to elucidate the responses from the contributors. Key new developments and challenges include: employing novel techniques to improve the prediction of suicidal behavior; testing and applying theoretical models of suicidal behavior; harnessing new technologies to monitor and intervene in suicide risk; expanding suicide prevention activities to low and middle-income countries; moving toward a more refined understanding of sub-groups of people at risk and developing tailored interventions. We also discuss the importance of multidisciplinary working and the challenges of implementing interventions in practice.

[Social pain at the core of suicidal behavior]

BACKGROUND

Intolerable pain is often reported in suicide notes. Moreover, the frequency of life events preceding a suicidal act is high, especially interpersonal difficulties. Such adversity is the source of psychological or social pain.

METHODS

We propose a narrative review to discuss the role of pain in the suicidal process while having a focus on social ties.

RESULTS

Using Ecological Momentary Assessment in suicide attempters it has been shown that being alone increased suicidal ideation while being with close others significantly reduced this risk. At a neuroanatomical level, suicidal vulnerability is associated with dysfunctional insula activation during social exclusion, a region involved in social and physical pain processing. Social pain elicited by social exclusion or devaluation shares common neurobiological patterns with physical pain. It is also an exemplar of psychological pain. Despite the complexity of its definition, higher psychological pain levels are associated with suicidal ideation and acts. Finally, intense physical pain or chronic pain are strong risk factors of suicidal ideation and act. Interestingly, suicide notes often report the existence of an intolerable pain. Presence of psychological pain and difficulties in communication predict the lethality and seriousness of suicide attempts. Moreover, presence of psychological pain is associated with more impulsive choices in suicidal patients, suggesting that a suicidal act is a means to escape intolerable suffering despite negative long-term consequences (i.e. death). Analgesics are usually used to get relief from pain but are also frequently involved in suicidal overdoses. It has been shown that opioid analgesics are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Higher consumption of opioid analgesics has been shown in suicidal patients in comparison to patients with history of depression but no suicidal act and healthy controls whereas non-suicidal patients were those reporting higher presence of pain in comparison to healthy controls. It may suggest that opioids are being used by suicidal patients to get relief from psychological/social pain rather than from physical pain. Involvement of opioidergic system in suicidal process opens new therapeutic strategies. Recently, the time-limited, short-term use of very low dosages of sublingual buprenorphine (vs. placebo) was associated with decreased suicidal ideation and mental pain in severely suicidal patients without substance abuse. In a randomized controlled trial comparing a 7-week acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) versus relaxation group, as adjunct to treatment as usual for adult outpatients suffering from a current suicidal behavior disorder, ACT has shown its effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and psychological pain. Evidence indicates that maintaining contact either via letter, postcard or telephone with at-risk adults following discharge from care services after a suicide attempt can reduce reattempt risk. Based on these results, a preventive program of recontact for suicide attempters, VIGILANS, has been developed in France in usual care.

CONCLUSION

The approach of the suicidal issue by the angle of pain and social disconnection offers new advances to improve clinical assessment, to identify new biological pathways involved in suicidal risk, and to propose innovative therapeutic and preventive actions.

Prévention du suicide et santé connectée

L’évaluation ponctuelle du risque suicidaire habituellement conduite aux urgences, après un geste suicidaire, ne rend pas compte de son évolution après la sortie des soins, alors même que le risque de récidive reste important plusieurs mois après. Dans ces conditions, les possibilités d’identification, et donc de prise en charge, des patients à risque suicidaire sont limitées. Le développement de la santé connectée (eHealth) donne désormais accès en temps réel à des informations sur l’état de santé d’un patient entre deux séjours en centre de soins. Cette extension de l’évaluation clinique à l’environnement du patient permet de développer des outils d’aide à la décision face à la gestion du risque suicidaire.

Ecological assessment of daily suicidal thoughts and attempts among suicidal teens after psychiatric hospitalization: Lessons about feasibility and acceptability

Despite its potential to yield information about the dynamic course of suicidal ideation/behavior in individuals' natural environment, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) has been strikingly underutilized among suicidal teens. This study reports on feasibility and acceptability of ecological assessment of daily suicide risk-related outcomes ("daily diaries," a special case of EMA) among adolescent inpatients in the critical post-discharge period. Thirty-four adolescents (76% female; ages 13-17) responded to daily electronic surveys for four weeks after discharge. Survey adherence was 69% (n = 650 days) and decreased each week. Adherence was half as likely among adolescents without attempt history (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.27-0.95). Mid- and end-point study responses indicated high acceptability of daily diaries. Most adolescents reported no change or more positive change in their thoughts/mood after daily surveys. Suicidal ideation was reported on 24.4% (n = 159) of the days. In the month post discharge, more teens reported suicidal thoughts using daily surveys (70.6%) compared to end-of-study assessment (45.2%) (Chi-square = 4.24, p = .039). Two participants (5.9%) reported an attempt. Ideation frequency and duration varied across time, suggesting utility of frequent assessments in this context. EMA data collection with high-risk adolescents offers a feasible approach to examining real-time suicidal ideation/behavior, yielding nuanced information that is critical to advancing suicide prevention efforts.

Smartphone-based safety planning and self-monitoring for suicidal patients: Rationale and study protocol of the CASPAR (Continuous Assessment for Suicide Prevention And Research) study

BACKGROUND

It remains difficult to predict and prevent suicidal behaviour, despite growing understanding of the aetiology of suicidality. Clinical guidelines recommend that health care professionals develop a safety plan in collaboration with their high-risk patients, to lower the imminent risk of suicidal behaviour. Mobile health applications provide new opportunities for safety planning, and enable daily self-monitoring of suicide-related symptoms that may enhance safety planning. This paper presents the rationale and protocol of the Continuous Assessment for Suicide Prevention And Research (CASPAR) study. The aim of the study is two-fold: to evaluate the feasibility of mobile safety planning and daily mobile self-monitoring in routine care treatment for suicidal patients, and to conduct fundamental research on suicidal processes.

METHODS

The study is an adaptive single cohort design among 80 adult outpatients or day-care patients, with the main diagnosis of major depressive disorder or dysthymia, who have an increased risk for suicidal behaviours. There are three measurement points, at baseline, at 1 and 3 months after baseline. Patients are instructed to use their mobile safety plan when necessary and monitor their suicidal symptoms daily. Both these apps will be used in treatment with their clinician.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study will provide insight into the feasibility of mobile safety planning and self-monitoring in treatment of suicidal patients. Furthermore, knowledge of the suicidal process will be enhanced, especially regarding the transition from suicidal ideation to behaviour.The study protocol is currently under revision for medical ethics approval by the medical ethics board of the Vrije Universiteit Medical centre Amsterdam (METc number 2017.512/NL62795.029.17).

Motivational Interviewing-Enhanced Safety Planning for Adolescents at High Suicide Risk: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and acceptability of a motivational interview (MI)-enhanced safety planning intervention (MI-SafeCope) for teens hospitalized due to suicide risk and explored proximal outcomes (possible mechanisms of change). Participants were 36 hospitalized adolescents (ages 13-17; 78.8% female) with last-week suicidal ideation and/or past-month suicide attempts. Adolescents were randomized to MI-SafeCope, a three-component intervention (individual and family sessions, postdischarge call), or to treatment as usual. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. We also explored differences in proximal outcomes assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months (family connectedness, motivation for safety plan use, parental motivation to encourage safety plan use), as well as daily for 4 weeks (self-efficacy, coping behavior, safety plan use). Participation and retention rates and intervention satisfaction ratings indicate feasibility and acceptability. Mixed-effects models of daily assessments indicated, for the MI-SafeCope group, significantly higher self-efficacy to refrain from suicidal action (B = 1.15, p = .030), greater reliance on self to cope with suicidal ideation (B = 1.56, p = .042), and higher likelihood of safety plan use to manage suicidal thoughts (B = 0.25, p = .004). Parents in the MI-SafeCope group reported higher motivation to encourage safety plan use (B = 1.04, p = .031). Safety planning incorporating MI is feasible and acceptable with hospitalized teens. Preliminary findings suggest that MI strategies may be promising in maintaining adherence to safety plans, increasing self-efficacy and coping, and in fostering parents' motivation to encourage safety plan use. Our study also highlights the benefit of daily-level assessment of individuals' response to suicide-specific interventions.

Smartphones, Sensors, and Machine Learning to Advance Real-Time Prediction and Interventions for Suicide Prevention: a Review of Current Progress and Next Steps

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As rates of suicide continue to rise, there is urgent need for innovative approaches to better understand, predict, and care for those at high risk of suicide. Numerous mobile and sensor technology solutions have already been proposed, are in development, or are already available today. This review seeks to assess their clinical evidence and help the reader understand the current state of the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in smartphone sensing, machine learning methods, and mobile apps directed towards reducing suicide offer promising evidence; however, most of these innovative approaches are still nascent. Further replication and validation of preliminary results is needed. Whereas numerous promising mobile and sensor technology based solutions for real time understanding, predicting, and caring for those at highest risk of suicide are being studied today, their clinical utility remains largely unproven. However, given both the rapid pace and vast scale of current research efforts, we expect clinicians will soon see useful and impactful digital tools for this space within the next 2 to 5 years.

From eHealth to iHealth: Transition to Participatory and Personalized Medicine in Mental Health

Clinical assessment in psychiatry is commonly based on findings from brief, regularly scheduled in-person appointments. Although critically important, this approach reduces assessment to cross-sectional observations that miss essential information about disease course. The mental health provider makes all medical decisions based on this limited information. Thanks to recent technological advances such as mobile phones and other personal devices, electronic health (eHealth) data collection strategies now can provide access to real-time patient self-report data during the interval between visits. Since mobile phones are generally kept on at all times and carried everywhere, they are an ideal platform for the broad implementation of ecological momentary assessment technology. Integration of these tools into medical practice has heralded the eHealth era. Intelligent health (iHealth) further builds on and expands eHealth by adding novel built-in data analysis approaches based on (1) incorporation of new technologies into clinical practice to enhance real-time self-monitoring, (2) extension of assessment to the patient's environment including caregivers, and (3) data processing using data mining to support medical decision making and personalized medicine. This will shift mental health care from a reactive to a proactive and personalized discipline.

Ecological momentary assessment of daily discrimination experiences and nicotine, alcohol, and drug use among sexual and gender minority individuals

OBJECTIVE

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which has been linked to higher rates of nicotine and substance use. Research on this disparity to date is largely predicated on methodology that is insensitive to within day SGM-based discrimination experiences, or their relation to momentary nicotine and substance use risk. We address this knowledge gap in the current study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

METHOD

Fifty SGM individuals, between 18 and 45 years of age, were recruited from an inland northwestern university, regardless of their nicotine or substance use history, and invited to participate in an EMA study. Each were prompted to provide data, six times daily (between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 14 days, regarding SGM-based discrimination, other forms of mistreatment, and nicotine, drug, and alcohol use since their last prompt.

RESULTS

Discrimination experiences that occurred since individuals' last measurement prompt were associated with greater odds of nicotine and substance use during the same measurement window. Substance use was also more likely to occur in relation to discrimination reported two measurements prior in lagged models. Relative to other forms of mistreatment, discrimination effects were consistently larger in magnitude and became stronger throughout the day/evening.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to existing minority stress research by highlighting the both immediate and delayed correlates of daily SGM-based discrimination experiences. These results also contribute to our understanding of daily stress processes and provide insight into ways we might mitigate these effects using real-time monitoring and intervention technology. (PsycINFO Database Record

Digital health technology for use in patients with serious mental illness: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

As the capabilities and reach of technology have expanded, there is an accompanying proliferation of digital technologies developed for use in the care of patients with mental illness. The objective of this review was to systematically search published literature to identify currently available health technologies and their intended uses for patients with serious mental illness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Medline, Embase, and BIOSIS Previews electronic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed English language articles that reported the use of digital, mobile, and other advanced technology in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Eligible studies were systematically reviewed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Digital health technologies (DHTs) assessed in the selected studies included mobile applications (apps), digital medicine, digital personal health records, and an electronic pill container. Smartphone apps accounted for the largest share of DHTs. The intended uses of DHTs could be broadly classified as monitoring to gain a better understanding of illness, clinical assessment, and intervention. Overall, studies indicated high usability/feasibility and efficacy/effectiveness, with several reporting validity against established clinical scales. Users were generally engaged with the DHT, and mobile assessments were deemed helpful in monitoring disease symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Rapidly proliferating digital technologies seem to be feasible for short-term use in patients with serious mental illness; nevertheless, long-term effectiveness data from naturalistic studies will help demonstrate their usefulness and facilitate their adoption and integration into the mental health-care system.

Predictors of daily life suicidal ideation in adults recently discharged after a serious suicide attempt: A pilot study

The aims of the study are to examine the predictive role of fluctuations in daily life mood, social contexts, and behavior on subsequent suicidal ideation (SI); and to identify clinical and psychological factors associated with the general frequency of SI in a high-risk sample. The sample comprised 42 adults (73.8% female) hospitalized for a suicide attempt. Immediately following hospital discharge, they used Ecological Momentary Assessment for seven consecutive days, providing repeated measures of SI, environmental, contextual, and behavioral factors. Controlling for prior SI, a number of contextual variables were associated with subsequent SI. Being at home or at work were both associated with an increased probability of SI, while being in the home of close others, or in a festive or leisure environment decreased SI probability. Working, passive leisure and inactivity all increased the likelihood of SI. Being alone increased SI while being with close others significantly reduced this risk. Finally, no overall effect for stressful events was found but negative family events specifically were associated with increased likelihood of SI (γ = 0.448, t = 2.255, df = 29, p < 0.05). The findings provide preliminary results regarding proximal environmental and behavioral factors associated with the occurrence of suicidal ideation in a high-risk sample.

Real-time assessment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

One of the greatest challenges to understanding, predicting, and preventing suicide is that we have never had the ability to observe and intervene upon them as they unfold in real-time. Recently developed real-time monitoring methods are creating new opportunities for scientific and clinical advances. For instance, recent real-time monitoring studies of suicidal thoughts show that they typically are episodic, with quick onset and short duration. Many known risk factors that predict changes in suicidal thoughts over months/years (e.g. hopelessness) do not predict changes over hours/days-highlighting the gap in our abilities for short-term prediction. Current and future studies using newer streams of data from smartphone sensors (e.g. GPS) and wearables (e.g. heart rate) are further expanding knowledge and clinical possibilities.

User profiles of an electronic mental health tool for ecological momentary assessment: MEmind

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is gaining importance in psychiatry. This article assesses the characteristics of patients who used a new electronic EMA tool: the MEmind Wellness Tracker. Over one year, 13811 adult outpatients in our Psychiatry Department were asked to use MEmind. We collected information about socio-demographic data, psychiatric diagnoses, illness severity, stressful life events and suicidal thoughts/behavior. We compared active users (N = 2838) and non-active users (N = 10,973) of MEmind and performed a Random Forest analysis to assess which variables could predict its use. Univariate analyses revealed that MEmind-users were younger (42.2 ± 13.5 years versus 48.5 ± 16.3 years; χ²  = 18.85; P < 0.001) and more frequently diagnosed with anxiety related disorders (57.9% versus 46.7%; χ²  = 105.92; P = 0.000) than non-active users. They were more likely to report thoughts about death and suicide (up to 24% of active users expressed wish for death) and had experienced more stressful life events than non-active users (57% versus 48.5%; χ²  = 64.65; P < 0.001). In the Random Forest analysis, 31 variables showed mean decrease accuracy values higher than zero with a 95% confidence interval (CI), including sex, age, suicidal thoughts, life threatening events and several diagnoses. In the light of these results, strategies to improve EMA and e-Mental Health adherence are discussed.

Rationale and protocol for using a smartphone application to study autism spectrum disorders: SMARTAUTISM

INTRODUCTION

Longitudinal studies on the evolution of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms are limited and have primarily used repeated measurements performed several months apart. However, measurements of changes in everyday life should more closely reflect the 'real life' of the patient and his or her family. We propose to study the child's ASD symptoms and their effect on the quality of life, psychological status and anxiety of the child's parents over a 6-month period using SMARTAUTISM, a smartphone application.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective, longitudinal, exploratory, open study with a 6-month follow-up period. Data will be recorded longitudinally over multiple weeks under natural conditions. The factors affecting the quality of life and anxiety of parents of children with ASD and the children's functional symptoms will be examined, and the feasibility of using a smartphone application designed for parents of ASD patients will be assessed.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Explore the evolution of a child's behaviour over 6 months and the (psychological and social) effects of these changes on the family.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE

Assess the feasibility of our application by examining the filling rate and application usage by parents for 6 months. 100 families containing 1 child diagnosed with ASD will be included. At baseline, sociodemographic, psychiatric and medical data will be recorded. The correlations of the general epidemiological variables (primary outcome measure) will be evaluated via multivariate analysis. The application filling rate (relative to the ideal filling rate) will be used to assess the feasibility of the application (secondary outcome measure).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The SMARTAUTISM study has the approval of the local ethics committee, and data security will be ensured via the use of encryption and a secure medical server. The use of this application will be proposed at autism resource centres across France.

Social behavior, interaction appraisals, and suicidal ideation in schizophrenia: The dangers of being alone

Despite the increasing attention to social appraisals in suicide risk, the interpersonal correlates of suicidal thoughts and behavior in schizophrenia are not well understood. Ecological momentary assessment could reveal whether dysfunctional social appraisals and behavior are evident in people with schizophrenia with suicidal ideation. A total of 93 outpatients with diagnoses of schizophrenia with (n=18, 19%) and without (N=75; 81%) suicidal ideation participated in one week of intensive daily monitoring via mobile devices, generating real-time reports on the quantity of social interactions and appraisals about them, as well as information concerning concurrent affect and symptoms. The presence of suicidal ideation was not associated with the quantity of social interactions or time spent alone, but it was associated with the anticipation of being alone as well as greater negative and lower positive affect when alone. Despite this aversive experience of being alone, people with suicidal ideation reported negative appraisals about the value of recent and potential social interactions. These findings suggest that suicidal ideation in schizophrenia may not be associated with the quantity of social interactions, but with negative expectations about the quality of social interactions coupled with an aversive experience of being alone. Cognitive therapy interventions that address negative expectations and pleasure about social interactions, especially when alone, may reduce suicidal ideation.

Real-Time Monitoring of Non-linear Suicidal Dynamics: Methodology and a Demonstrative Case Report

In recent years, a number of different authors have stressed the usefulness of non-linear dynamic systems approach in suicide research and suicide prevention. This approach applies specific methods of time series analysis and, consequently, it requires a continuous and fine-meshed assessment of the processes under consideration. The technical means for this kind of process assessment and process analysis are now available. This paper outlines how suicidal dynamics can be monitored in high-risk patients by an Internet-based application for continuous self-assessment with integrated tools of non-linear time series analysis: the Synergetic Navigation System. This procedure is illustrated by data from a patient who attempted suicide at the end of a 90-day monitoring period. Additionally, future research topics and clinical applications of a non-linear dynamic systems approach in suicidology are discussed.

Prévention du suicide : du recontact à la santé connectée

Un geste suicidaire correspond à une volonté de changement vécue comme impossible et qui se solde par une rupture brutale. L’intérêt d’un recontact réside dans la proposition d’un changement tout en retissant ce lien qui nous unit à l’autre, aux autres. La communication de Vincent Jardon a pour objectif de reprendre l’histoire de cette idée du recontact et de la veille auprès d’un patient suicidant, d’en décrire les différentes modalités (cartes ressources, caring letters, cartes postales, appel téléphonique, SMS…) et ce qu’elles apportent (notion de connectedness, fiabilisation des soins). La démonstration de l’efficacité des soins basés sur le recontact, comme l’observation qu’un geste suicidaire suit régulièrement un événement de vie stressant, notamment dans le domaine social, sont deux arguments suggérant l’existence d’une sensibilité accrue aux stress sociaux chez les suicidants. P. Courtet proposera les arguments neuroscientifiques actuels (imagerie, neurospychologie, inflammation) en faveur de cette hypothèse. Il poursuivra sur l’intérêt des nouvelles technologies de la communication (à l’aide de Smartphones) dans l’évaluation in vivo des patients à risque suicidaire. Non seulement, il est démontré que l’évaluation répétée du risque suicidaire dans l’environnement naturel du sujet n’est pas délétère pour les sujets, mais en outre que ce type d’innovation apporte des informations de grand intérêt pour suivre les séquences environnementales conduisant à la génération des idées de suicide. Si le recontact téléphonique ou postal prévient la récidive suicidaire et que les Smartphones sont des outils pertinents d’accompagnement des patients, S. Berrouiguet a raison de faire l’hypothèse qu’un dispositif de veille par SMS aura un intérêt dans la prévention de la récidive suicidaire. Il présentera le protocole de l’étude SIAM et les résultats préliminaires d’une intervention par SMS (ou message texto), adressés depuis une plateforme Internet, destinée à la réduction de la récidive suicidaire.

Pilot feasibility of an mHealth system for conducting ecological momentary assessment of mood-related symptoms following traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed pilot feasibility and validity of a mobile health (mHealth) system for tracking mood-related symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN

A prospective, repeated measures design was used to assess compliance with daily ecological momentary assessments (EMA) conducted via a smartphone application over an 8-week period.

METHODS

An mHealth system was developed specifically for individuals with TBI and utilized previously validated tools for depressive and anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Feasibility was assessed in 20 community-dwelling adults with TBI via an assessment of compliance, satisfaction and usability of the smartphone applications. The authors also developed and implemented a clinical patient safety management mechanism for those endorsing suicidality.

RESULTS

Participants correctly completed 73.4% of all scheduled assessments, demonstrating good compliance. Daily assessments took <2 minutes to complete. Participants reported high satisfaction with smartphone applications (6.3 of 7) and found them easy to use (6.2 of 7). Comparison of assessments obtained via telephone-based interview and EMA demonstrated high correlations (r = 0.81-0.97), supporting the validity of conducting these assessments via smartphone application in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

EMA conducted via smartphone demonstrates initial feasibility among adults with TBI and presents numerous opportunities for long-term monitoring of mood-related symptoms in real-world settings.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of depression-related phenomena

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is one research method increasingly employed to better understand the processes that underpin depression and related phenomena. In particular, EMA is well suited to the study of affect (e.g., positive and negative affect), affective responses to stress (e.g., emotion reactivity), and behaviors (e.g., activity level, sleep) that are associated with depression. Additionally, EMA can provide insights into self-harm behavior (i.e. suicide and non-suicidal self-injury), and other mood disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder) commonly associated with depressive episodes. Given the increasing availability and affordability of handheld computing devices such as smartphones, EMA is likely to play an increasingly important role in the study of depression and related phenomena in the future.

Investigating dynamics and predictors of suicidal behaviors using ambulatory assessment

Ambulatory assessment studies may provide important insights in the etiology of suicidal behaviors, because suicidal behaviors and their risk factors fluctuate over time.The review aims at (1) evaluating the current state of research and (2) summarizing main findings in this field. Reviewed studies (N = 4) were heterogeneous. Up to 74% of participants reported suicidal ideation during ambulatory assessment sampling. Suicidal ideation was predicted by intensity and instability of negative affective states (e.g., worry, sadness). Ambulatory assessment studies seem a promising approach to uncover the dynamic course of suicidal ideation and its risk factors in clinically relevant time frames (i.e., real-time).