Improving emotional awareness to reduce suicide risk in veterans
Official title: Alexithymia Intervention for Suicide (ALEXIS)
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11309546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping veterans with serious mental health challenges become more aware of their emotions, so they can better handle social situations and make safer choices, ultimately aiming to reduce the risk of suicide.
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 | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004089-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness who struggle with emotional awareness and social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Serious Mental Illness or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing interventions to help veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) improve their emotional awareness, which is crucial for effective social functioning. By addressing the lack of awareness of emotions, the project aims to enhance the ability of these individuals to navigate social situations and make better decisions, potentially reducing their risk of suicide. The approach involves utilizing findings from affective neuroscience to create targeted strategies that can be integrated into existing mental health services. Participants will engage in activities designed to increase their understanding and management of emotions, thereby fostering better social reintegration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower suicide rates among veterans by improving their emotional awareness and social functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing emotional awareness can lead to improved mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kimhy, David — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kimhy, David
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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.