Group‐based problem‐solving therapy in self‐poisoning females: A pilot study

Abstract Aims: The treatment of suicidal behaviour remains limited in efficacy. This pilot study assessed the effectiveness of a time‐limited, group‐based problem‐solving therapy intervention compared with a treatment as usual control group, in females who self‐poison. Method : A total of 18 clients were equally randomised to treatment or control groups. All clients were assessed using standardised questionnaires for depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and social problem‐solving skills, at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and two months follow‐up. Results: The treatment group experienced significant reductions in levels of depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and improvements in self‐assessed social problem‐solving skills. Improvements in mental health and aspects of self‐assessed problem‐solving skills for the treatment group continued to be evident at two months follow‐up. The control group did not change significantly over time on mental health measures or social problem solving abilities. Conclusion: Although limited by small sample size, the results suggest that group‐based problem‐solving therapy is effective in the management of deliberate self‐poisoning. This paper is a unique contribution in that it examines the implementation of problem solving therapy with a homogenous population and in a group format. Methodological concerns and directions for future research are discussed.