Using wearable technology to detect signs of suicidality in adolescents
Official title: Detecting Adolescent Suicidality Biometric Signals and Dynamic Variability with Wearable Technology
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11091624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how wearable devices can track things like heart rate to help spot teenagers who might be at risk of suicide, aiming to create a tool that can warn us before things get really serious, so we can provide better support and keep them out of emergency rooms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,961 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH131802-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have previously experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without a history of suicidality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biometric signals collected from wearable devices can help identify adolescents at risk of suicide. By monitoring physiological parameters such as heart rate variability, the study aims to develop a personalized tool that can predict worsening suicidal symptoms before they lead to a crisis. The approach focuses on continuous monitoring to enhance outpatient care and intervention strategies, potentially reducing the need for emergency department visits. The research will involve a cohort of adolescents to evaluate the effectiveness of these biometric indicators in real-time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biometric data for mental health monitoring, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheridan, David Clark — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Sheridan, David Clark
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.