The Neuroimmunology of Suicide in Youth
2018 Standard Research Grant
Amount Awarded: $100,000
Focus Area: Neurobiological Studies
Vilma Gabbay, M.D., M.S.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
Inside the Research
Question: How do anhedonia, inflammation, and brain circuitry contribute to suicidal behavior?
Strategy: Anhedonia (diminished pleasure), neuroimmunological processes, and brain cirucuitry (connections) will be compared among 30 adolescents with depression and a recent suicide attempt, 30 adolescents with non-suicidal depression, and 30 adolescents without a psychiatric history (HC), ages 12-17. Clinical evaluations, a blood test for measures of inflammation, and an MRI (imaging to assess brain function) will be conducted.
Impact: Identification of biological factors that could be the target of interventions to reduce youth suicide.
Strategy: Anhedonia (diminished pleasure), neuroimmunological processes, and brain cirucuitry (connections) will be compared among 30 adolescents with depression and a recent suicide attempt, 30 adolescents with non-suicidal depression, and 30 adolescents without a psychiatric history (HC), ages 12-17. Clinical evaluations, a blood test for measures of inflammation, and an MRI (imaging to assess brain function) will be conducted.
Impact: Identification of biological factors that could be the target of interventions to reduce youth suicide.