Scientists probe the brain to unravel Suicide's mysteries

NCT ID NCT02543983

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study aims to understand what happens in the brain when someone thinks about or attempts suicide. Researchers will use brain scans, sleep monitoring, blood tests, and questionnaires to compare four groups: people with recent suicidal thoughts or attempts, those with past suicidal thoughts, people with depression or anxiety but no suicidal history, and healthy volunteers. A small subset will also receive the drug ketamine to observe its effects on mood and brain activity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Ketamine

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could reveal key biological markers linked to suicide risk, pointing toward better prevention strategies or treatments.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase observational and interventional study with a small ketamine component. It is not designed to test a new treatment, and results may not lead to immediate clinical changes.

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.

anxiety Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••