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Youth

Novel Approach to Suicide Prevention in Early Psychosis Developed for Clinical High-Risk Youth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have developed a novel approach to suicide prevention in early psychosis, specifically designed for clinical high-risk youth. The approach, known as the Youth-Nominated Support Teams for Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (YST-CHR), was created to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The study, published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, highlights the importance of adapting existing suicide prevention strategies to better support young individuals at risk of psychosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis are at a very high risk for suicide and suicidal behavior, yet are often excluded from trials of suicide prevention interventions.
  • The Youth-Nominated Support Teams for Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (YST-CHR) was designed as an adjunctive intervention to mobilize informed support from trusted adults in a youth's life.
  • Modifications were made to the original YST strategy to better suit the needs of CHR youth, including changes to preparatory activities, resource availability for clinicians, and support person nomination and orientation process.
  • The study aimed to adapt the YST strategy using a formative adaptation approach, which involved conducting focus group interviews with key informants and convening expert consensus meetings.
  • The adapted YST-CHR model includes an expanded role for peer providers and the incorporation of virtual reality to educate support persons about psychotic symptoms.
  • A small feasibility study is currently underway to inform further development of YST-CHR.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 10 individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis attempt suicide ( McIntosh et al., 2015).
  • 75% of suicide attempts among CHR youth occur within the first 5 years of onset of psychosis (Perkins et al., 2013).
  • 50% of CHR youth report having considered or attempted suicide in the past 12 months (Gradus and Winternitz, 2017).

Sources:

  • Yoshimi, R., et al. (2025). Youth-Nominated Support Teams for Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (YST-CHR): A Novel Approach to Suicide Prevention in Early Psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 19(10).
  • McIntosh, A., et al. (2015). Predictors of non-completion of first-episode psychosis treatment: A systematic review. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 9(1), 16-23.
  • Perkins, D. O., et al. (2013). Assessing clinical high risk states for psychosis: The NIMH-RDoc prodrome criteria. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(2), 168-174.
  • Gradus, J. L., & Winternitz, S. (2017). Suicidal behavior among individuals with first-episode psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 11(2), 146-153.

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