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Suicide and the Brain

Join a Research Study: Enrolling nationally from around the country

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (moodresearch@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-877-646-3644 (1-877-MIND-NIH) [TTY: 711].

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) researchers seek adults 18 to 70, who have a history of attempted suicide but are not currently suicidal, for a study of suicide and brain function. Participation includes up to seven days as an inpatient at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Procedures include blood tests, medical evaluations, brain imaging, sleep studies and psychiatric interviews. Participants do not need to stop their current medications. Compensation and transportation are provided. Pregnant women and individuals with serious medical conditions are not eligible.

There is no cost to participate. We enroll eligible participants locally and from around the country. Travel arrangements are provided and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance). After completing the study, participants receive short-term follow-up care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider.

If you are in a crisis situation, contact your doctor's office, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 for emergency services. You can also call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Your call will be connected to the crisis center nearest you. Trained staff can help talk you through your crisis.

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (moodresearch@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-877-646-3644 (1-877-MIND-NIH) [TTY: 711].

Study Identifiers

  • NIMH Protocol Number: 15-M-0188
  • ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 02543983 

Investigator(s): Carlos Zarate Jr, M.D.