Digital Therapeutic Interventions for Suicide Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Their Effectiveness in Reducing Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts.
Ainize Sarrionandia, Maria Ruiz-Iriondo, Irene Izquierdo-Sanchez et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised randomized clinical trials of digital interventions for suicide prevention. Seventeen studies (N = 5.089) were included. In random-effects analyses, digital interventions significantly reduced suicidal ideation (g = -0.61), with effects maintained at follow up (g = -0.77). Effects were observed against both traditional and active controls. Suicide attempts showed a moderate reduction in relative risk, but this was not statistically significant. The authors describe digital interventions as a potentially useful complementary approach, while noting heterogeneity and limited evidence on attempts.
Key findings
- Across 17 studies (N = 5.089), digital interventions significantly reduced suicidal ideation (g = -0.61).
- The reduction in suicidal ideation was maintained at follow up (g = -0.77).
- Suicide attempts showed a moderate reduction in relative risk, but the effect was not statistically significant.
- Effects were greater in clinical populations, self-guided interventions, and younger participants.
Why it matters
Suicidal ideation improved in trials using both traditional and active controls, suggesting digital interventions may offer a complementary way to address this outcome. However, the evidence does not establish a reduction in suicide attempts, and variation across studies limits certainty. These distinctions matter when interpreting digital approaches as part of suicide prevention.
What to keep in mind
The studies were heterogeneous, and evidence regarding suicide attempts was limited; the reduction in attempts was not statistically significant.