A new study has shown that a mobile smartphone app could significantly reduce the risk of suicide among individuals at high risk, particularly those recently discharged from psychiatric care. 

The app, known as OTX-202, was found to reduce suicide attempts by 58% among a large group of psychiatric patients with a history of suicide attempts, according to research published on August 8 in JAMA Network Open.

The study, which focused on patients discharged after psychiatric hospitalization, found that users of the app also experienced significant reductions in suicidal thoughts that lasted for up to six months after leaving the hospital. This is particularly important, as the post-discharge period is considered one of the highest risk times for suicide.

The app’s potential lies in filling a critical gap in mental health care, especially given the shortage of available therapists who can provide continuous support to those at risk.

 "Although suicide-specific therapy is highly effective for reducing suicidal thoughts and urges, finding therapists who know how to do this life-saving therapy after leaving the hospital can be challenging," said Craig Bryan, co-lead researcher and director of the Suicide Prevention Program at Ohio State University. "OTX-202 provides a possible solution to that problem."

OTX-202 offers a series of 12 cognitive-behavioral therapy lessons, each lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. These lessons cover critical aspects of suicide prevention, such as how to restrict access to lethal means of suicide, recognizing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, regulating emotions, and reconsidering self-harm thoughts. The lessons are delivered via a chatbot, video narrations, and actor portrayals of patients who have completed the program.

The study included 339 psychiatric patients from six U.S. hospitals between April 2022 and April 2024.

These patients had been discharged after treatment for elevated suicide risk. The participants were divided into two groups: one using OTX-202 and the other using a more basic app offering safety planning and suicide education but no cognitive-behavioral training.

The results were compelling, with 98% of those using OTX-202 showing clinical improvement in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, compared to just 88% in the group using the standard app. Additionally, patients using OTX-202 experienced a sustained reduction in suicidal thoughts, while those in the standard app group saw a rebound in their suicidal ideation within six months of discharge.

Patricia Simon, co-lead researcher and assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of offering targeted, suicide-specific interventions during the vulnerable period following a suicide crisis. 

"The weeks and months following a suicide crisis and discharge from a hospital are among the highest risk periods for suicide attempts and death, making it imperative to offer effective, suicide-specific interventions during this window," she said.

While the results are promising, researchers acknowledge that further studies with larger participant groups and longer follow-up periods are needed to fully validate the app’s effectiveness.

 The app, developed by Oui Therapeutics, was funded by the company to support the clinical trial.

Senior researcher Dr. Seth Feuerstein, a lecturer in psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, highlighted the profound impact this app could have on addressing the significant gaps in access to effective suicide prevention tools.

 "This population faces arguably the biggest gap in access to effective interventions of any leading killer. The potential clinical and population health impact of this new option is extraordinary," he said.

This innovative approach could offer a lifeline to many individuals at risk, providing continuous, accessible support during a critical time in their recovery process.