Understanding suicidality in bipolar disorder and major depression
Official title: Suicidality in Bipolar and Major Depression Disorders
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10880656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $748,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125838-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or major depression, particularly those with a history of suicide attempts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other psychiatric disorders or those without a history of bipolar disorder or major depression may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magnotta, Vincent a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Magnotta, Vincent a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.