Comparing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, and Treatment as Usual in a High Risk Population

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), problem-solving therapy (PST), or treatment as usual (TAU) were compared in the management of suicide attempters. Participants completed the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Social Problem-Solving Inventory, and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire at pre- and posttreatment. Both CBT and PST indicated significant improvements over time within the majority of measured variables; when compared to TAU, both groups showed significant differences on satisfaction. When PST was compared to TAU, results indicated significant differences on suicidal ideation, indicating overall efficacy of brief therapies with suicide attempters.