The Role of the Reward System in Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
2015 Standard Research Grant
Amount Awarded: $90,000
Focus Area: Neurobiological Studies
Ramiro Salas, Ph.D.
Baylor College of Medicine
Inside the Research
Question: Does the brain’s reward system play a role in suicidal behavior?
Strategy: Studying the habenula, a brain structure involved in reward processing, using three brain imaging techniques (RSFC, DTI and fMRI), the study will compare three inpatient groups: one with suicidal ideation only; one with a suicide attempt; and one with no suicidal ideation or behavior.
Impact: Reward processing can inform risk identification and treatment.
Strategy: Studying the habenula, a brain structure involved in reward processing, using three brain imaging techniques (RSFC, DTI and fMRI), the study will compare three inpatient groups: one with suicidal ideation only; one with a suicide attempt; and one with no suicidal ideation or behavior.
Impact: Reward processing can inform risk identification and treatment.