Understanding suicidality in bipolar disorder and major depression

Suicidality in Bipolar and Major Depression Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10880656

This study is looking at how certain brain connections might be linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people with bipolar disorder and major depression, and it’s for individuals who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts, as well as those without such experiences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural circuits associated with suicidal behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder and major depression. By utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to evaluate a specific suicide risk circuit that includes the cerebellum, which has been overlooked in previous research. The study will involve 300 participants, including those with a history of suicide attempts and matched controls, to assess their brain connectivity, metabolism, and psychiatric symptoms. This comprehensive approach seeks to deepen our understanding of the biological underpinnings of suicidality.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or major depression, particularly those with a history of suicide attempts.

Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric disorders or those without a history of bipolar disorder or major depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and treatment strategies for individuals at risk of suicide in bipolar and major depressive disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on neural circuits in major depression, this specific focus on the cerebellum in relation to suicidality in bipolar disorder is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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 Affective DisordersBipolar 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.