Actively Recruiting
Inhibitory Mechanisms of Negative Urgency in Adolescent Suicidal Behavior
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2025-06-12
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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 called negative urgency. This study focuses on how negative urgency relates to communication between brain cells, particularly through a process called cortical inhibition. The project aims to understand differences in brain signaling between adolescents with suicidal thoughts and those with suicidal behaviors, and how these patterns change over time. Participants aged 13 to 21 years diagnosed with depression and either suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior will be enrolled. Both groups will undergo assessments at the start of the study, and again at 6 and 12 months. These include interviews, questionnaires about emotions and impulsive behavior, computerized brain function tests, MRI brain scans, and measurements of brain cell communication using single-/paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). During the study, adolescents will complete clinical interviews, rating scales, and self-report questionnaires about negative urgency. Brain activity will be measured using TMS-EEG at each visit. Researchers will track changes in brain inhibition and impulsivity over the year to better understand the neural mechanisms behind suicidal behavior. Safety and changes in mental health symptoms will also be monitored throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Inhibitory Mechanisms of Negative Urgency in Adolescent Suicidal Behavior
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ages 13 to 21 years (inclusive)
- Any sex, gender, race, or ethnicity
- Ability to provide written informed consent if 18 years or older
- Ability to provide written assent if under 18 years, with legal guardian's consent
- Ability to read and communicate in English
- Current diagnosis of a unipolar depressive episode confirmed by structured interview
- For Dep/SI group: history of suicidal ideation but no prior suicidal behavior
- For Dep/SB group: history of suicidal behavior
- Access to reliable internet for remote assessments if applicable
You will not qualify if you...
- Imminent suicide risk as assessed by study psychiatrist
- Current substance use disorder within the last month (excluding caffeine and nicotine)
- Lifetime history of psychosis, hypomania, or mania
- Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability
- Use of antiepileptic medication or chronic benzodiazepines (except as-needed use on study day)
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
- Medical or neurological conditions increasing risk for TMS or MRI or impeding procedures, including seizure disorders, head injury with prolonged unconsciousness, anoxia from hanging, implanted medical devices, intracranial pressure risk, or prior brain surgery
- Any contraindications to TMS or MRI screening
- Non-removable hair, head, or neck modifications that interfere with TMS or EEG recording
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants undergo assessments including clinical interviews, questionnaires on negative urgency, and single-/paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sp/ppTMS) to measure cortical inhibition.
3 visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months; in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55414
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Charles P Lewis, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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