Brain Inhibition and Impulsivity Study in Teens with Depression and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating why some adolescents with depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors act more impulsively when experiencing negative emotions, a trait known as negative urgency. This study aims to explore how this impulsivity relates to brain cell communication, particularly focusing on cortical inhibition in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The study will include adolescents aged 13 to 21 years with depression and either suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior, to better understand the neural mechanisms involved. Participants will undergo assessments at the start of the study, and again at 6 and 12 months. These assessments include clinical interviews, questionnaires about thoughts, emotions, and impulsive behaviors, computerized brain function tests, MRI brain scans, and a specialized brain measurement using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography TMS-EEG. Both groups, those with suicidal ideation and those with suicidal behavior, will receive the same evaluations throughout the study. During the study, participants will complete interviews and rating scales to assess their symptoms and negative urgency. Brain physiology related to cortical inhibition will be measured noninvasively using TMS-EEG at each visit. Researchers will track changes in brain signaling and impulsivity over time to understand their relationship. The total duration of participation is 12 months, with key outcome measures including long-interval intracortical inhibition and negative urgency at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Inhibitory Mechanisms of Negative Urgency in Adolescent Suicidal Behavior