RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Prevention of Suicidal Behavior Through the VIGILANS Protocol: the Restoration of Social Connection Hypothesis

This study, called VIGILANS, explores how social connection might help prevent repeat suicide attempts among people who have previously tried to take their own life. Globally, suicide is a major health concern, and researchers believe factors like social isolation and how our bodies react to stress are important. VigilanS is a national phone support service in France that checks in with people who have been to hospital after a suicide attempt. The study wants to find out if this support works by helping people feel more connected. Participants will take part in a virtual social stress test, and researchers will measure their body's response, mental state, and feelings of loneliness. The aim is to understand who might benefit most from this type of support and how to make suicide prevention even more effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

120

Start

12 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

13 Sep 2027

Suicidal Behaviour Disorder

What is this study about?

Globally, trying to take one's own life is a serious and widespread issue, especially for young people. The World Health Organization sees preventing suicide as a top priority. Recent events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted how social isolation, stress, and challenging financial situations can unfortunately increase these risks. This study aims to understand better how we can help people who have previously attempted suicide.

Researchers believe that feeling alone or being highly sensitive to social situations might play a big part in why some people are more vulnerable. They've noticed that stress from social situations can even cause physical changes in the body, which seem to be linked to suicide. This study wants to explore whether a programme called VigilanS helps by rebuilding those important social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness in people who are particularly sensitive to social adversity.

VigilanS is a phone support system in France that contacts people who have been admitted to hospital after attempting suicide. They check in with patients for six months to see how they are doing and help if they have another crisis. This study wants to know *why* VigilanS works. Is it because it helps people feel less isolated and more connected? By understanding this, we can make support programmes even better and offer more effective help to those who need it most.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how social connection impacts suicide prevention.
It focuses on the VigilanS phone support system for people who have attempted suicide.
Researchers will use a virtual social stress test to measure body reactions.
The study hopes to understand why VigilanS works and who benefits most.
Results could lead to better support for those at risk of suicide.
This is a low-risk study with minimal commitment over six months.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be receiving follow-up calls from the VigilanS programme at Montpellier or Nîmes hospitals in France. You also need to be between 18 and 55 years old.

It's important that you can understand the study's procedures, speak, read, and understand French, and be able to give your informed consent in writing. This means agreeing freely to take part after all the study details have been explained to you.

This study is looking at two groups of VigilanS patients: one group who experienced another suicide attempt within six months of starting VigilanS, and another group who did not have another attempt during that same period.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently receiving follow-up calls from VigilanS at a CHU hospital in Montpellier or Nîmes?
Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Can you understand and speak French?
Can you give your permission to be in the study in writing?
Have you previously attempted suicide and been included in the VigilanS program?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have three main appointments. The first is an "inclusion visit," where researchers will assess your health and well-being. The second is an "experimental visit," where you'll participate in a virtual social stress test (called V-TSST).

During the V-TSST, researchers will measure your body's reactions, such as heart rate changes and specific chemicals in your blood related to stress and inflammation. There are no medications involved in this study. The final appointment, a "follow-up visit," happens six months later to see if there have been any repeat suicide attempts. The total duration of your active participation, including these visits and the follow-up, will be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

This study involves minimal risks and is designed to help us better understand vital aspects of suicide prevention. You might feel some mild stress during the virtual social stress test, as it's designed to simulate social pressure, but you will be fully supported. The potential benefits include contributing to important knowledge that could improve support for others in the future. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your relationship with your healthcare team.

Locations (1)

Maude SENEQUE
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the VigilanS program?

VigilanS is a telephone support system in France that checks in with people who have been to hospital after a suicide attempt for six months.

What is a 'social stress task'?

It's a virtual activity designed to create a mild sense of social pressure, similar to giving a public speech, while researchers observe your body's reactions.

Will I have to take any new medication?

No, this study does not involve new medications. It focuses on understanding how your body and mind respond to social situations.

How long does the study last if I join?

Your active participation, including all visits and follow-up, will be over approximately six months.

What is the main goal of this research?

The main goal is to understand if the VigilanS program helps prevent repeat suicide attempts by improving social connections and how people cope with social stress.

How to find out more

Philippe Courtet, PhD

p-courtet@chu-montpellier.fr Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.