Adolescent Suicide Research
Furthering Research into Suicide Prevention
Our priorities at the CDRC include studying biomarkers related to youth suicide risk and more effective ways to treat suicidal ideation and behavior. To further this goal of reducing adolescent suicidality, our team has received two grants from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Why We Do This Work
The CDRC has received two grants which fund adolescent research prevention and treatment. Because depression often begins early in life, our goal is to proactively study the disease in young people to ultimately prevent or minimize its impact population-wide.
Characterizing Inflammatory Profiles and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has awarded the CDRC a 3-year grant to develop immune profiles for adolescents with suicidal behavior and those at risk. The overarching goal of this study is to understand how the unique aspects of functioning of our immune system might relate to mental health and suicidal thoughts. We will recruit 225 adolescents for this observational research study through partnerships with Children’s Medical Center and the surrounding Dallas/Fort Worth community.
If you would like to learn more about participating in one of our research programs related to adolescent suicide research, please complete this brief survey.
Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Acute-Course of Ketamine Versus Midazolam for Recurrence of Suicidality in Adolescents (TASK)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded the CDRC a grant to explore the efficacy of ketamine treatment for teens who have had made a recent suicide attempt. This is a double-blind treatment study where participants will either receive (4) Ketamine or Midazolam infusions over the course of a two-week period. Ketamine is a rapidly acting medication shown to have reduced suicidality among adults in a matter of hours or days. With this study, our hope is ketamine treatments will result in greater symptomatic improvement in the short-term and lower the likelihood of a repeat suicidal event in the future among adolescents (ages 13-18 years). We will recruit 264 adolescents for this project, making it one of the largest studies to date looking at the potential impact of Ketamine on adolescent suicidality.
If you would like to learn more about participating in one of our research programs related to adolescent suicide research, please complete this brief survey.
Stay Engaged
For information about CDRC programs, research, or activities, contact us at CDRC@UTSouthwestern.edu.