Understanding how social connections and rewards affect suicide risk
Official title: Transdiagnostic Reward System Dynamics and Social Disconnection in Suicide
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11038016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's reward system affects how people with mood or psychotic disorders reach out for help and make safety plans when they're feeling suicidal, with the hope of finding better ways to support them during tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $644,305 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130396-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with affective or psychotic disorders who are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have affective or psychotic disorders or who are not experiencing suicidal ideation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's reward system influences social behaviors related to help-seeking and safety planning in individuals at risk for suicide. By focusing on people with affective or psychotic disorders, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that either promote or hinder social outreach during crises. Participants will be monitored over a year using a combination of lab tasks and real-time assessments to gather data on their experiences and behaviors. The goal is to identify new strategies for improving suicide prevention efforts through better understanding of social dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective suicide prevention interventions by enhancing social support systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of social dynamics in mental health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Depp, Colin a. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Depp, Colin a.
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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.