Using brain imaging to help veterans reduce harmful repetitive thoughts about suicide
Official title: Reducing Suicide-Specific Rumination in Veterans using Real-time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-10914487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a special brain scan technique can help veterans learn to manage and reduce negative thoughts that can lead to feeling suicidal, by giving them real-time feedback on their brain activity so they can gain better control over their thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX005132-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who experience suicidal thoughts and engage in rumination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of suicidal thoughts or rumination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback can help veterans manage and reduce suicidal thoughts by targeting rumination, which is the tendency to engage in negative, self-critical thinking. By using brain imaging technology, the study aims to identify and alter brain activity patterns associated with these harmful thoughts. Veterans will participate in sessions where they receive feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to control their thoughts and potentially decrease their risk of suicide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with a new therapeutic tool to manage suicidal thoughts and improve their mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neurofeedback and brain imaging techniques to address mental health issues, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szeszko, Philip R — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Szeszko, Philip R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Helping Veterans Reduce Suicidal Thoughts with Brain Training
This project helps Veterans learn to control brain activity linked to repetitive negative thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts.
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Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
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Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
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INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
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.