Depression Research Study
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are conducting a study to learn how the brain works in teens with depression and recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Fast Facts
Ages 13-21
Experience Symptoms Of Depression OR Diagnosed With Depression
Compensation
Provided
Conducted In
Minneapolis-St.Paul
Study Background
Why are some teens more likely to act impulsively when they feel upset?
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying how the brain works in teenagers with depression and recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The study focuses on “negative urgency,” which is the tendency to act quickly and impulsively when feeling very upset or distressed. By learning more about how the brain manages (or struggles to manage) these intense emotions, researchers hope to better understand why some teens are more likely to engage in suicidal behavior.
To do this, the study will include interviews, surveys, and a safe, noninvasive test that measures brain activity using magnetic pulses and EEG (a way to record brain signals). About 80 teens will take part—some who have had suicidal thoughts, and some who have also had a recent attempt. These assessments will happen at the start of the study, and again 6 and 12 months later. The goal is to see how brain function and impulsive decision-making change over time, which may help develop better ways to identify and support at-risk youth.
Join us in advancing mental health and public health research!
Study Background
Why are some teens more likely to act impulsively when they feel upset?
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying how the brain works in teenagers with depression and recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The study focuses on “negative urgency,” which is the tendency to act quickly and impulsively when feeling very upset or distressed. By learning more about how the brain manages (or struggles to manage) these intense emotions, researchers hope to better understand why some teens are more likely to engage in suicidal behavior.
To do this, the study will include interviews, surveys, and a safe, noninvasive test that measures brain activity using magnetic pulses and EEG (a way to record brain signals). About 80 teens will take part—some who have had suicidal thoughts, and some who have also had a recent attempt. These assessments will happen at the start of the study, and again 6 and 12 months later. The goal is to see how brain function and impulsive decision-making change over time, which may help develop better ways to identify and support at-risk youth.
This study aims to explore the factors that influence health decisions among individuals with psychosis symptoms. Specifically, the research focuses on understanding why individuals with SMI are less likely to seek out vaccines and other preventive health measures. By examining mental health experiences, the way people interpret health-related information, and the role of media in shaping these decisions, the study hopes to identify ways to improve communication and make health information more accessible to those with mental health conditions.
Join us in advancing mental health and public health research!
Additional Information
This study is being done to better understand how the brain and impulsive decision-making are connected to depression and suicidal behaviors in teens, with the goal of finding ways to identify and support youth at risk.
You/your child may qualify for a study if the following criteria are met.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13-21
- Experiencing symptoms of depression or diagnosed with depression
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal on or in the body or severe claustrophobia)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Substance use disorders
- History of psychosis, hypomania, or mania
- Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or a major neurological disorders
If you or your child participate in the study, there will be three study visits over the course of a year.
At the first visit, you will go through consent/assent, complete interviews and surveys, do some computer-based tasks, have an MRI scan, take part in brain activity testing using magnetic pulses (sp/ppTMS), and review a safety plan.
At the 6-month and 12-month visits, you will repeat shorter versions of the interviews and surveys, complete the computer tasks again, do the brain activity testing, and update the safety plan.
You/your child can earn $300 if all visits are completed ($150 for initial visit and $75 for the 6-month and 12-month visits).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.