RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06481033

Suicide Specific Rumination in Veterans

Reducing Suicide-Specific Rumination in Veterans Using Real-time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

15 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Suicide Mood Disorders

Summary

Few treatments target core features of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Veterans. Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback can provide information regarding brain activation associated with suicide-specific rumination, defined as a "repetitive mental fixation on one's suicidal thoughts and intentions." The goal of this feasibility study is for Veterans to learn strategies for modulating activity within brain regions that have been demonstrated to contribute to the maintenance of rumination, as they receive neurofeedback feedback signals from the brain.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

U.S. military veteran between 18-65 years old
negative pregnancy test on MRI scan days
score greater than or equal to 10 on the Suicide Rumination Scale
clinically stabilized on psychotropic medications
engaged in mental health care treatment
able to provide written, informed consent

Exclusion Criteria7

no major medical or neurological disorders that could interfere with treatment
moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
current imminent suicide risk, as determined through psychiatric interview, responses to C-SSRS, and clinical judgment of the assessor
any current psychotic disorder
MRI contraindications
any substance use disorder for substances other than cannabis or alcohol (mild alcohol or cannabis use disorder does not exclude participants but moderate or severe alcohol or cannabis substance use disorder is disqualifying)
pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Interventions

BEHAVIORALReal Time fMRI Neurofeedback

The proposed pilot study is designed to collect feasibility and acceptability data regarding the utility of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) feedback in reducing suicide-specific rumination in veterans. Fifteen veterans will receive 2 rt-fMRI neurofeedback sessions while attempting to alter connectivity in brain regions that play a role in rumination. Pre- and post-treatment assessments of suicide, disability, functional impairment, and quality of life will be collected.