Monitoring impulsivity to understand suicide risk

Digital Monitoring of Impulsivity as a Proximal Risk Factor for Suicidal Outcomes

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11092101

This study is looking at how impulsive behavior can help us understand and predict suicidal thoughts in people who are at high risk, using real-time data from patients in emergency rooms and hospitals to find out what triggers these feelings and how they might differ from person to person.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092101 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how impulsivity, a fluctuating behavior, can predict suicidal urges in individuals at high risk. By using digital monitoring techniques, the study will analyze real-time data from patients in emergency departments and those hospitalized for suicidal thoughts. The goal is to identify which aspects of impulsivity are most closely linked to suicidal behavior and how these patterns may vary among different individuals. This approach aims to enhance our understanding of immediate risk factors for suicide and inform potential interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults under 21 years old who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are seeking care in emergency departments or are hospitalized for these issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience impulsivity or suicidal thoughts may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for suicide prevention by identifying and targeting impulsivity in at-risk individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that monitoring impulsivity can provide valuable insights into suicidal behavior, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

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 2026-06-15 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.