Exploring how endocannabinoid metabolism relates to depression and suicide in young people
Official title: Imaging Alterations in Endocannabinoid Metabolism in Depression and Suicide
Funded at Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas · NIH-11124206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific system in the body might affect feelings of sadness and thoughts of suicide in teens aged 12 to 20, focusing on a particular enzyme that could change how we feel and act, with the hope of finding new ways to help those struggling with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montreal, Canada) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131651-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing depression or have a history of suicidal behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without depression or suicidal tendencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the endocannabinoid system in depression and suicide among adolescents aged 12 to 20. It focuses on the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which affects the metabolism of endocannabinoids like anandamide, potentially influencing mood and behavior. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to identify alterations in FAAH levels in individuals with depression and those who have attempted suicide, compared to healthy controls. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for depression and suicide prevention in young people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success in understanding the endocannabinoid system's role in mood disorders, but this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas
Montreal, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mizrahi, Romina — Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas
- Study coordinator: Mizrahi, Romina
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.