2 - (SYM 121) Systematic Scoping Review of Psychosocial Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Abstract Body

Background: Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) than their heterosexual and cisgender peers (Marshal et al., 2011; Eisenberg et al., 2017;di Giacomo et al., 2018). Therefore, there is a great need for efficacious treatments for these youths and the current literature lacks a synthesis of what is available. The present study will provide a systematic scoping review seeking to evaluate randomized clinical trials (RCT) for SGMY experiencing STB in the last decade. This timeframe was chosen because there have been major global changes that have affected this community, legally, politically and socially (Saez, 2016).

Methods: Several prominent databases (e.g., Medline, PsychInfo, CENTRAL) were searched for RCTs for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among SGMY between the years of 2013 and 2023, resulting in a total of 2,494 articles. Search terms included terminology pertaining to psychological treatment, LGBTQIA+ youth, and suicidality. Six independent screeners have conducted abstract screenings and full text reviews through Covidence software. Finally, full-text articles ultimately screened into the study will be extracted for data regarding focus of treatment, type of treatment, treatment settings, and outcomes, when available. To date, 10 studies have met full-text screening criteria and have undergone data extraction. Data extraction and analyses are expected to be completed by June 2024.

Results: Preliminary analyses indicate that the 10 studies identified pertained to 10 unique RCTs. Two had no corresponding publications, so information was collected from their respective trial registration pages. 50% of the RCTs focused their analyses solely on SGM- identifying youth, while 30% ran/planned to run additional analyses on this subgroup, and 20% reported SGM status without comparing outcomes. Of the interventions focused on treating suicidality in SGMY, one tested LGBTQ-related narrative videos, two tested adapted family- based interventions, one tested an adaptation of a school-based intervention, and one tested an LGBTQ-affirmative internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT).

Conclusion: Since there is a lack of suicide prevention interventions that address the needs of SGMY, it is imperative we continue to expand upon our understanding of the risk and protective factors of these youths and develop/adapt evidence-based treatments to tailor to their unique stressors and experiences.