Brain scans may reveal hidden suicide risk

NCT ID NCT03327129

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study aims to understand how the brain's pain-processing systems relate to a person's ability to attempt suicide. Researchers will use fMRI scans to measure brain activity in 90 adults with depression while they experience pressure pain. The goal is to identify neural patterns that could help spot high-risk individuals.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help identify people at high risk for suicide by understanding brain activity patterns.

What could go wrong

This is an early observational study that is currently suspended. It may not lead to direct treatments or interventions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder psychiatric disorder Suicidal Ideation Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • St. Michael's Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5B 0C1, Canada