GABA-related Mechanisms of Suicidality Reduction
2019 Standard Research Grant
Amount Awarded: $100,000
Focus Areas: Neurobiological, Community Intervention
Etienne Sibille, Ph.D.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Canada)
Grant Information
When people are at risk for suicidal behavior, they often have difficulty thinking flexibly, and experience their options as limited. The neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, GABA, may play a role. This cognitive inflexibility can be modeled in animals, providing an opportunity to test various medication treatments. Learning about the impact of specific medications on cognitive inflexibility may reveal options for treating a person thinking of suicide.