Identifying warning signs for suicide risk in adolescents using mobile technology

Passive Assessment of Behavioral Warning Signs for Suicide Risk in Adolescents: An Idiographic Approach

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11059149

This study is looking at how changes in social interactions, sleep, and physical activity can help spot warning signs for suicide risk in teenagers, using technology to track these behaviors so we can better support those who might be struggling.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059149 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how changes in social engagement, sleep, and physical activity can serve as immediate warning signs for suicide risk in adolescents. By utilizing mobile sensing and actigraphy, the study aims to passively monitor these behaviors to identify short-term risk factors that may indicate an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions. The approach focuses on individual-level data rather than group averages, allowing for a more personalized understanding of each adolescent's risk. This could lead to timely interventions for those who need it most.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who may exhibit changes in their social engagement, sleep patterns, or physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience significant behavioral changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance early detection of suicide risk in adolescents, leading to more effective prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using behavioral indicators to assess suicide risk, but this approach focuses on individual-level data, making it a novel contribution to the field.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.