Helping Veterans Reduce Suicidal Thoughts with Brain Training
Reducing Suicide-Specific Rumination in Veterans using Real-time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback
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 ID | NIH-11132585 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 21 and older who experience persistent self-critical rumination and suicidal thoughts.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Bronx, United States
- 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
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 below.