Helping Veterans Reduce Suicidal Thoughts with Brain Training
Official title: Reducing Suicide-Specific Rumination in Veterans using Real-time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11132585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project helps Veterans learn to control brain activity linked to repetitive negative thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX005132-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 21 and older who experience persistent self-critical rumination and suicidal thoughts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience rumination or suicidal ideation, or who are unable to participate in fMRI sessions, may not receive direct benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
Many Veterans experience suicidal thoughts, and a common factor is getting stuck in repetitive, self-critical thinking patterns called rumination. This project uses a special type of brain imaging called real-time fMRI neurofeedback to show Veterans their own brain activity as it happens. The goal is to teach them how to adjust this activity in specific brain areas involved in rumination. By learning to change these brain patterns, Veterans may find it easier to interrupt negative thoughts and reduce their risk of suicide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way for Veterans to gain control over their thoughts and reduce the risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: While fMRI neurofeedback is a developing field, previous research suggests that targeting specific brain networks can help manage conditions like depression and anxiety, making this a promising, though still novel, application for suicide prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szeszko, Philip R — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Szeszko, Philip R
Related research
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Using brain imaging to help veterans reduce harmful repetitive thoughts about suicide
This study is exploring how a special brain scan technique can help veterans learn to manage and reduce negative thoughts that can lead to feeling suicidal, by giving them real-time feedback on their brain activity so they can gain better control over their thinking.
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Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
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How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
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INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
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.