Improving emotional awareness to reduce suicide risk in veterans

Alexithymia Intervention for Suicide (ALEXIS)

NIH-funded research James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11309546

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJames J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project IDNIH-11309546 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness who struggle with emotional awareness and social interactions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Serious Mental Illness or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Bronx, 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.
Conditions bipolar affective disorderbipolar diseaseBipolar Disorder
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.