Recruiting
Risk and Resilience to Suicide Following Late-Life Spousal Bereavement
The purpose of the RISE study is to examine how the 24-hour rhythm of sleep and social activity relate to mood and suicidal ideation among older adults that recently lost a spouse or life partner.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06191484
PhaseNA
Enrollment169
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Age65 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Suicide, Bereavement
About this study
The purpose of the RISE study is to examine how the 24-hour rhythm of sleep and social activity relate to mood and suicidal ideation among older adults that recently lost a spouse or life partner.
Interventions
- Behavioral: WELL Behavioral Probe — Participant record the timing and regularity of sleep, meals, and social activity twice daily, for 3 months, using a digital diary. Participants also receive weekly motivational health coaching.
Primary outcomes
- Change in suicidal ideation over 12 months using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) (Baseline and at month 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12.)
- Change in perceived loneliness over 12 months using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Baseline and at month 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12.)
Eligibility information
Older adults who recently lost their spouse or life partner and are high risk for suicidal thoughts and/or behavior.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Bereaved \< or = to 12 months from spousal/partner loss
2. \> or = to 65 years old
3. Verified history of suicide attempt/attempts and/or current or past history of Major Depressive Disorder/Major Depressive Episode (MDD/MDE) (without psychotic features), or history of depression severe enough to trigger treatment, or current subsyndromal depression (\> or = to 9 HDRS)
4. No diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders/bipolar/current psychosis
5. Does not reside in nursing home
6. Not a current shift worker
7. No major cognitive impairment: TICS score of \> or = to 27
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Bereaved \>12 months from spousal/partner bereavement
2. \< 65 years old
3. Patient is not spousal/partner bereaved (ex: parent, sibling, etc.)
4. Prior diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders/bipolar/current psychosis or medications listed indicate diagnosis of these disorders/MDD or MDE with psychotic features
5. Major cognitive impairment: TICS score of \<27
6. Current shift worker
7. Resides in a nursing home
8. Unstable medical condition (e.g., unstable angina, end stage renal disease)
Study locations
- University of Pittsburgh (UPMC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212 United States
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.