Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors Study
Join a compensated research study at the University of Pittsburgh learning how our minds react to specific words related to positive and negative emotions.
Research Conducted in Pittsburgh, PA
Compensation
Provided
Able to Do fMRI Scan
Learning more about mental health
18 - 30 Years Old
Fast Facts
Study Background
The purpose of the study is to learn how we think about words related to suicide and positive and negative emotion.


Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Although there are often warning signs that you may be thinking about suicide, it is difficult to predict who will go on to attempt or die by suicide.

The purpose of this study is to help people understand more about brain activity when they have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Researchers will study how you think about words related to positive and negative emotions.

Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to assess and treat individuals who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

About Our Research Study
The purpose of the study is to learn how we think about words related to suicide and positive and negative emotion.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Although there are often warning signs that you may be thinking about suicide, it is difficult to predict who will go on to attempt or die by suicide.

The purpose of this study is to help people understand more about brain activity when they have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Researchers will study how you think about words related to positive and negative emotions.

Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to assess and treat individuals who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Additional Information
Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this study is to understand what is happening in your brain during times of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. By studying your brain when hearing words related to positive and negative emotions, researchers hope to find indicators that will enable them to develop new methods to assess and treat people who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors.


Is this study for me?
You may qualify to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria.

Key Criteria:
  • You are between ages 18-30
  • In the past 6 months, you have had suicidal thoughts or behaviors OR suicide attempt in the last year.
  • You are not currently taking any drugs unless they were prescribed to you by your physician
  • You are willing and able to have an fMRI scan (right-handed, no non-removable metal in the body, not claustrophobic)
  • You are not pregnant

OR

  • You are between ages 18-30
  • You are a healthy individual with no history of mental illness
  • You are willing and able to have an fMRI scan (right-handed, no non-removable metal in the body, not claustrophobic)
  • You are not pregnant
What will happen if I participate in this study?
Participation in this study involves up to 5 visits over the course of 9 months. Some visits may be completed over the phone.

Visit 1 involves an interview, computer-based tasks, and an fMRI scan. During visit 2, you will have another interview and fMRI. You will also have 1-hour follow-up interviews (in-person or over the phone) at 6 and 9 months. Interviews will be audiotaped with your permission.


You will be asked to give a urine sample before undergoing fMRI scanning to screen for drugs and alcohol, and for pregnancy in women. fMRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.

Will I be paid for being in this research study?
Compensation up to $385 is provided for your participation in our study.
Will it cost me anything to participate in this study?
There is no cost for you to participate in our research program.