Neural Correlates of Suicidal Behavior in Youth

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Conditions studied: Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Suicidal Behavior, Depression / Major Depressive Disorder, Hopelessness, Neurobiological

In brief

This study, titled "Neural Correlates of Suicidal Behavior in Youth: a Pre and Post CAMS Therapy Neuroimaging Study," aims to better understand the brain mechanisms underlying suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults (ages 14-24). Suicide is a leading cause of death in this population, and current clinical approaches often fail to accurately predict or prevent suicidal behavior. This study seeks to identify objective neurobiological markers associated with suicide risk and treatment response. Participants will be divided into three groups: (1) high-risk individuals recently hospitalized following a suicide attempt, (2) medium-risk individuals with chronic suicidal ideation but no attempts, and (3) low-risk healthy controls. All participants will undergo advanced neuroimaging, including magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with comprehensive psychiatric assessments. The study focuses on brain regions and networks implicated in suicidality, including the anterior cingulate cortex and salience network, as well as neurochemical markers such as glutamate. It also examines electrophysiological activity and functional connectivity patterns associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. High-risk participants will receive an evidence-based psychotherapy called the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). This therapeutic approach emphasizes collaboration between patient and clinician to identify and address the underlying drivers of suicidal thoughts, with a focus on increasing hope and reducing psychological distress. Neuroimaging and clinical assessments will be repeated after completion of CAMS to evaluate treatment-related changes. The study's primary goals are to: * Identify neural and electrophysiological correlates of suicide risk. * Distinguish biological differences between individuals with suicidal ideation and those who have attempted suicide. * Determine how CAMS therapy affects brain function and neurochemistry. By integrating clinical and neurobiological data, this research aims to improve understanding of suicidality, enhance risk prediction, and inform more effective, personalized interventions for at-risk youth.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07568054
Run by: The Cleveland Clinic
People needed: 60
Starts: 2026-06-30
Expected to finish: 2031-10-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-07-10

Who can join

Age: 14 and older, up to 24. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

Subjects must be 14-24 years old
Subjects must be:
High Risk Subjects: Psychiatrically admitted due to a suicide attempt or history of 2 previous suicide attempts
Medium Risk Subjects: Suicide ideation for the past year with no suicide attempt
Minimal Risk Subjects: No previous history of suicidal ideation or behavior, not taking any psychiatric history or medication, and no family history of suicide
Subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent/assent document
Subjects must be English speaking

You may not qualify if…

Subjects with known history of Autism Spectrum Disorder; non-verbal patients
Subjects with moderate or severe intellectual disability (IQ less than 70 and those patients in special education classes full time)
Subjects with Schizophrenia or history of any type of psychosis including mood related psychosis and brief reactive psychosis
Within 6 months before initial screening, urine toxicology positive for phencyclidine, cocaine or amphetamines (subjects prescribed amphetamines for the management of ADHD will not be excluded)
Subjects with a history of moderate or severe substance or alcohol use per DSM-5 criteria in the past 6 months
Subjects who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Subjects in custody of Children's Services
Subjects with recent bone, tendon, spine or joint surgery
Subjects with recent metallic dental implants
Subjects weighing less than 30 kg or more than 200 kg

Where it is running

The Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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