Suicide Specific Rumination in Veterans

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jun 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Suicide Specific Rumination in Veterans," is exploring a new approach to help veterans who struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. Many treatments don't specifically address the repetitive thinking that often leads to suicidal feelings. This study uses a technique called real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback, which allows participants to see how their brain is working in real-time. The goal is to teach veterans strategies to change their brain activity related to these harmful thoughts.

To participate in this study, veterans must be between 18 and 65 years old, have a history of suicide attempts, and currently be engaged in mental health treatment. They should also be stable on their medications and able to provide consent. Participants will learn to use neurofeedback to help manage their thoughts, with the hope that it can reduce their suicidal thinking. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, severe brain injuries, or those at immediate risk for suicide won't be eligible for this trial. This research aims to find better ways to support veterans dealing with serious mental health challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • U.S. military veteran between 18-65 years old
• • negative pregnancy test on MRI scan days
• • score greater than or equal to 10 on the Suicide Rumination Scale
• • clinically stabilized on psychotropic medications
• • engaged in mental health care treatment
• • able to provide written, informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • no major medical or neurological disorders that could interfere with treatment
• • moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
• • current imminent suicide risk, as determined through psychiatric interview, responses to C-SSRS, and clinical judgment of the assessor
• • any current psychotic disorder
• • MRI contraindications
• • any substance use disorder for substances other than cannabis or alcohol (mild alcohol or cannabis use disorder does not exclude participants but moderate or severe alcohol or cannabis substance use disorder is disqualifying)
• • pregnant or trying to become pregnant