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Neurobiology of Suicide

Primary Purpose

Healthy Volunteers, Depression

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, 3T
NeurOptics PLRTM-3000 Pupillometer
Experimental Anxiety Devices
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, 7T
Ketamine Hydrochloride
Sponsored by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional basic science trial for Healthy Volunteers focused on measuring Neurobiology, Suicide, Ketamine, Major Depressive Disorder, Biomarkers

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 70 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers
  • INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Phase I: Groups 1-3 and 5 (Patients)

  1. 18 to 70 years of age.
  2. A level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations, sign an informed consent document and verify understanding by a score greater than or equal to 90% on the Baseline consent quiz
  3. Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase I.
  4. Additional Criteria for Group 1 (Active Crisis): Agree to be hospitalize

Phase I: Group 4 (Healthy Volunteers)

  1. 18 to 70 years of age.
  2. A level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations, sign an informed consent document.
  3. Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase I.

Phase II: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators)

  1. Patients must have completed Study Phase I as a participant in Group 1
  2. Participants must verify understanding of the protocol by a score greater than or equal to 80% on the Ketamine Response

    consent quiz.

  3. Patients in Group 1 or 5 must report at least minimal suicidal ideation, depressive or anxiety symptoms to be eligible for this phase (see Monitoring Suicide Risk section).

    • MADRS score of over 10 (10 used as an outcome measure for remission)126
    • OR HAMA score of over 7 (7 used as an outcome measure for remission)127
    • OR SSI score of 2 or more (indicates any residual suicidal thoughts)
  4. Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase II.

Phase III: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators)

  1. Participants must have met all inclusion criteria for and completed Study Phase II as a participant in Group 1 (active crisis) or Group 5 (Suicide Ideators).
  2. Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase III.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Phase I: Groups 1-3 and 5 (Patients)

  1. Current psychotic features or cognitive impairment that would preclude understanding of the consenting process or tests/examinations.
  2. Current drug or alcohol dependence
  3. Currently intoxicated or under the acute effects of an illicit substance will not be consented into the study.
  4. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant.
  5. Serious, unstable medical conditions/problems including hepatic, renal, gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular (including blood pressure, ischemic heart disease), endocrinologic, neurologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease.
  6. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory tests.
  7. Positive HIV test
  8. Participants who, in the investigator s judgment, pose a current homicidal risk or pose suicide risk that cannot be managed in a secure, voluntary inpatient setting.
  9. Non-English speakers
  10. Additional Criteria for Group 1 (Active Crisis): For participants who still experience the effects of their suicide attempt, i.e. someone who overdosed is significantly drowsy or confused, the consenting process will occur after the patient has improved from the effects. If there is a concern around a participant s capacity to consent, the Human Subjects Protections Unit (HSPU) team member who is

monitoring the informed consent process will complete a capacity assessment. Participants who are determined not to have capacity to consent to research will not be included in the study.

Phase I: Group 4 (Healthy Volunteers)

  1. Current or past Axis I diagnosis
  2. Presence of medical illness likely to alter brain morphology and/or physiology (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) even if controlled by medications.
  3. Current or past alcohol or substance abuse or dependence diagnosis (except for nicotine or caffeine) (or substance abuse disorder per DSM-V).
  4. Presence of psychiatric disorders or a history of suicide attempt or death in first-degree relatives.
  5. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant.
  6. No lifetime suicide attempts or ideations
  7. Non-English speakers
  8. Positive HIV test

Exclusions for Imaging:

  1. Participants with metal objects implanted in the body, such as aneurysm clips, neural stimulators, implanted cardiac pacemakers, or auto-defibrillator, cochlear implant, or ocular foreign body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe
  2. Participants who are uncomfortable in small closed spaces (have claustrophobia) and would feel uncomfortable in the MRI machine
  3. Participants with a brain abnormality on an initial MRI scan
  4. Subjects with hearing loss that has been clinically evaluated and diagnosed and may be worsened through participation in imaging procedures

Phase II: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators)

  1. Treatment with a reversible MAOI within 2 weeks prior to study Phase II.
  2. Treatment with any other concomitant medication not allowed within 5 (Omega) half-lives prior to study Phase II.
  3. Subjects with one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology
  4. Participants with a positive urine for an illicit substance no more than 24 hours prior to the ketamine infusion.
  5. Presence of current psychotic features or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-IV or DSM-V
  6. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant.
  7. A medical finding or condition that in the clinical judgement of the investigator increases the risk of adverse effects from the ketamine administration (for example: findings suggesting difficulties with kidney or cardiac function that may be contraindications for an experimental intervention).

Phase III: Repeated Administration (Group 1) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators)

  1. Intolerable or serious adverse reaction to ketamine during Phase II
  2. Treatment with a reversible MAOI within 2 weeks prior to study Phase III.
  3. Treatment with any other concomitant medication not allowed within 5 (Omega) half-lives prior to study Phase III.
  4. Subjects with one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology
  5. Participants with a positive urine for an illicit substance no more than 24 hours prior to each ketamine infusion.
  6. Presence of current psychotic features or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-IV or DSM-V
  7. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant.

Exclusions for Imaging:

  1. Participants with metal objects implanted in the body, such as aneurysm clips, neural stimulators, implanted cardiac pacemakers, or auto-defibrillator, cochlear implant, or ocular foreign body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe
  2. Participants who are uncomfortable in small closed spaces (have claustrophobia) and would feel uncomfortable in the MRI machine
  3. Participants with a brain abnormality on an initial MRI scan
  4. Subjects with hearing loss that has been clinically evaluated and diagnosed and may be worsened through participation in imaging procedures

Sites / Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Experimental

Arm Label

1

Arm Description

Ketamine Hydrochloride infusion

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Study as Whole: Psychiatric, psychological, neuroimaging, sleep and biological differences between participants in Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Clinical and research data and samples
Phase II: Scale for Suicide Ideation
Clinical rating scale of suicidal ideation
Phase II: Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
Clinical rating scale of depression
Phase II: Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Anxiety
Clinical rating scale of depression
Phase II: Clinical Global Impression Scale
Clinical rating scale of psychiatric symptomology

Secondary Outcome Measures

Anhedonia and Hopelessness via the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale & the Beck Hopelessness Scale
Clinical rating scale of anhedonia and hopelessness
Baseline and Response Biomarkers
Biomarkers

Full Information

First Posted
September 5, 2015
Last Updated
October 13, 2023
Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT02543983
Brief Title
Neurobiology of Suicide
Official Title
The Neurobiology of Suicide
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
August 4, 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
December 1, 2015 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
July 21, 2025 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
July 21, 2025 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
Yes
Device Product Not Approved or Cleared by U.S. FDA
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Background: There are no good treatments for people considering suicide. Researchers want to study suicide with questions, blood tests, brain imaging, and sleep studies. They hope to better understand suicide, so they can help suicidal people. Objective: To understand what happens in the brain when someone has thought about or attempted suicide. Eligibility: Group 1: Adults ages 18 70 who have thought about or attempted suicide recently Group 2: Adults ages 18 70 who have thought about or attempted suicide in the past Group 3: Adults ages 18 70 who have depression or anxiety, but have never thought about suicide Group 4: Healthy volunteers the same ages. Design: Participants will be screened in another protocol. Adults who have recently thought about or attempted suicide must be referred by a doctor. They may do up to 3 phases of this study. Groups 2, 3 and 4 will do only Phase 1 and will not get ketamine. Phase 1: 1 week in hospital. Participants will have: Physical exam. Questions about thoughts and feelings. Thinking and memory tests and simple tasks. Blood and urine tests. Two MRI scans. Participants will lie on a table that slides into a metal cylinder that takes pictures. They will have a coil over their head and earplugs and do a computer task. Sleep test. Disks and bands will be placed on the body to monitor it during sleep. Magnetic detectors on their head while they perform tasks. A wrist monitor for activity and sleep. Lumbar puncture (optional). A needle will collect fluid from the back. Shock experiments (optional). Participants will observe pictures and sounds and feel a small shock on the hand. Phase 2: 4 days in hospital. A thin plastic tube will be placed in each arm, one for blood draws, the other to get the drug ketamine once. Participants will repeat most of the Phase 1 tests. Phase 3: up to 4 more ketamine doses over 2 weeks. Participants will have follow-up calls or visits at 6 months and then maybe yearly for 5 years.
Detailed Description
A. Objective Suicide occurs across demographics and psychiatric disorders, killing at least one million individuals worldwide each year. In contrast to other injury-related death such as homicide or motor vehicle accidents, suicide rates have increased, particularly among middle-aged adults. Clinicians have a limited ability to predict imminent suicidal behavior and few, if any, efficacious treatments are available to treat suicidal patients. Advances in the treatment of the suicidal patients have been hampered by an incomplete understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of the suicidal crisis, as suicidal thoughts and behaviors have not been clearly linked with specific neural circuits. The aim of this study is to evaluate possible biomarkers of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals currently experiencing a suicidal crisis. In taking a dimensional approach to suicide research, we will be able to study phenomenology across Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) units of analysis, from genes through circuits to self-report and experimental paradigms. Through this approach, we can identify potential neurobiological risk factors for both short and long-term suicide risk. As a secondary aim, we will use ketamine to identify biomarkers of ketamine response in a sample at acute risk for suicide. B. Study Population Five participant populations will be recruited into this protocol in order to encompass the continuum of suicide risk. A total of 325 individuals will be enrolled in the study. Participant populations are individuals with the following conditions: 1.) recent suicidal ideation with intent and/or suicide attempt (Group 1- active crisis , n= 65); 2) a past history of suicide attempt, but no suicidal behavior in the last year (Group 2, n= 65, attempters ); 3) anxiety or mood symptoms, but no recent or past suicidal thoughts or behavior (Group 3, n= 65); 4) healthy controls with no psychiatric or suicide history (Group 4, n= 65); and lifetime suicidal thoughts with intent (Group 5, n=65, ideators ). C. Design The research protocol will occur across three phases: baseline, ketamine response and optional repeated infusions. All participants will first be consented into Phase I, which may last up to seven days. This baseline phase will entail multimodal assessment, using pathophysiological markers (blood draw, lumbar puncture), neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG), polysomnography, clinical ratings and experimental paradigms (shock experiments). Participants will receive their regularly scheduled daily medications, but will not receive additional treatment (including new prn medications, such as benzodiazepines for management of anxiety or agitation) during this brief baseline phase. After completion of Phase I, eligible participants from Group 1 or Group 5 only (active crisis or ideators) will be offered participation in Phase II, the ketamine response phase. This phase, which will last up to four days, consists of a single, open-label trial of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg). The focus of this phase will be identification of potential biomarkers of antisuicidal ketamine response. Participants who complete Phase II will be offered Phase III, which will involve repeated ketamine infusions over two weeks (2 times/ per week for 2 weeks). Psychiatric medication adjustment will be permitted during Phase III. After participation in Phases I-III, participants in Groups 1-3 and 5 will be offered standard clinical treatment (excluding healthy controls), or participation in another protocol. In standard clinical treatment, adjustment of psychiatric medications and commencement of psychotherapeutic interventions will be permitted. Finally, participants in the first three groups (excluding healthy controls) will receive follow-up evaluations at six months and 1 year after completion of Study Phase I. D. Outcome Measures In Phase I, the outcome measures will be underlying psychiatric, psychological, neuroimaging, sleep and biological differences between the participant groups. In Phase II, the outcome measures will be reductions in suicidal thoughts and depressive and anxiety symptoms at 24 hours post-ketamine infusion.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Healthy Volunteers, Depression
Keywords
Neurobiology, Suicide, Ketamine, Major Depressive Disorder, Biomarkers

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Study Phase
Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
325 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
1
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Ketamine Hydrochloride infusion
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, 3T
Intervention Description
Non-significant risk device used for brain imaging.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
NeurOptics PLRTM-3000 Pupillometer
Intervention Description
The NeurOptics PLRTM-3000 Pupillometer will use quantitative infrared technology to objectively and accurately measure pupil size and dynamics.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
Experimental Anxiety Devices
Intervention Description
Acoustic startle and shock devices are used to evaluate anxious responses to stimuli. Both are considered non-significant risk under this study.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, 7T
Intervention Description
Non-significant risk device used for brain imaging.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Ketamine Hydrochloride
Intervention Description
A non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. This drug is exempt from FDA IND review under the study.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Study as Whole: Psychiatric, psychological, neuroimaging, sleep and biological differences between participants in Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Description
Clinical and research data and samples
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Title
Phase II: Scale for Suicide Ideation
Description
Clinical rating scale of suicidal ideation
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Title
Phase II: Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
Description
Clinical rating scale of depression
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Title
Phase II: Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Anxiety
Description
Clinical rating scale of depression
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Title
Phase II: Clinical Global Impression Scale
Description
Clinical rating scale of psychiatric symptomology
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Anhedonia and Hopelessness via the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale & the Beck Hopelessness Scale
Description
Clinical rating scale of anhedonia and hopelessness
Time Frame
multiple time-points
Title
Baseline and Response Biomarkers
Description
Biomarkers
Time Frame
multiple time-points

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
70 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Phase I: Groups 1-3 and 5 (Patients) 18 to 70 years of age. A level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations, sign an informed consent document and verify understanding by a score greater than or equal to 90% on the Baseline consent quiz Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase I. Additional Criteria for Group 1 (Active Crisis): Agree to be hospitalize Phase I: Group 4 (Healthy Volunteers) 18 to 70 years of age. A level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations, sign an informed consent document. Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase I. Phase II: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators) Patients must have completed Study Phase I as a participant in Group 1 Participants must verify understanding of the protocol by a score greater than or equal to 80% on the Ketamine Response consent quiz. Patients in Group 1 or 5 must report at least minimal suicidal ideation, depressive or anxiety symptoms to be eligible for this phase (see Monitoring Suicide Risk section). MADRS score of over 10 (10 used as an outcome measure for remission)126 OR HAMA score of over 7 (7 used as an outcome measure for remission)127 OR SSI score of 2 or more (indicates any residual suicidal thoughts) Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase II. Phase III: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators) Participants must have met all inclusion criteria for and completed Study Phase II as a participant in Group 1 (active crisis) or Group 5 (Suicide Ideators). Individuals who are able to get pregnant must be willing to remain sexually abstinent or use at least one form of effective birth control during participation in Phase III. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Phase I: Groups 1-3 and 5 (Patients) Current psychotic features or cognitive impairment that would preclude understanding of the consenting process or tests/examinations. Current drug or alcohol dependence Currently intoxicated or under the acute effects of an illicit substance will not be consented into the study. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant. Serious, unstable medical conditions/problems including hepatic, renal, gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular (including blood pressure, ischemic heart disease), endocrinologic, neurologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory tests. Positive HIV test Participants who, in the investigator s judgment, pose a current homicidal risk or pose suicide risk that cannot be managed in a secure, voluntary inpatient setting. Non-English speakers Additional Criteria for Group 1 (Active Crisis): For participants who still experience the effects of their suicide attempt, i.e. someone who overdosed is significantly drowsy or confused, the consenting process will occur after the patient has improved from the effects. If there is a concern around a participant s capacity to consent, the Human Subjects Protections Unit (HSPU) team member who is monitoring the informed consent process will complete a capacity assessment. Participants who are determined not to have capacity to consent to research will not be included in the study. Phase I: Group 4 (Healthy Volunteers) Current or past Axis I diagnosis Presence of medical illness likely to alter brain morphology and/or physiology (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) even if controlled by medications. Current or past alcohol or substance abuse or dependence diagnosis (except for nicotine or caffeine) (or substance abuse disorder per DSM-V). Presence of psychiatric disorders or a history of suicide attempt or death in first-degree relatives. Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant. No lifetime suicide attempts or ideations Non-English speakers Positive HIV test Exclusions for Imaging: Participants with metal objects implanted in the body, such as aneurysm clips, neural stimulators, implanted cardiac pacemakers, or auto-defibrillator, cochlear implant, or ocular foreign body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe Participants who are uncomfortable in small closed spaces (have claustrophobia) and would feel uncomfortable in the MRI machine Participants with a brain abnormality on an initial MRI scan Subjects with hearing loss that has been clinically evaluated and diagnosed and may be worsened through participation in imaging procedures Phase II: Group 1 (Active Crisis) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators) Treatment with a reversible MAOI within 2 weeks prior to study Phase II. Treatment with any other concomitant medication not allowed within 5 (Omega) half-lives prior to study Phase II. Subjects with one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology Participants with a positive urine for an illicit substance no more than 24 hours prior to the ketamine infusion. Presence of current psychotic features or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-IV or DSM-V Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant. A medical finding or condition that in the clinical judgement of the investigator increases the risk of adverse effects from the ketamine administration (for example: findings suggesting difficulties with kidney or cardiac function that may be contraindications for an experimental intervention). Phase III: Repeated Administration (Group 1) and Group 5 (Suicide Ideators) Intolerable or serious adverse reaction to ketamine during Phase II Treatment with a reversible MAOI within 2 weeks prior to study Phase III. Treatment with any other concomitant medication not allowed within 5 (Omega) half-lives prior to study Phase III. Subjects with one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology Participants with a positive urine for an illicit substance no more than 24 hours prior to each ketamine infusion. Presence of current psychotic features or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-IV or DSM-V Pregnant or nursing individuals or those who plan to become pregnant. Exclusions for Imaging: Participants with metal objects implanted in the body, such as aneurysm clips, neural stimulators, implanted cardiac pacemakers, or auto-defibrillator, cochlear implant, or ocular foreign body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe Participants who are uncomfortable in small closed spaces (have claustrophobia) and would feel uncomfortable in the MRI machine Participants with a brain abnormality on an initial MRI scan Subjects with hearing loss that has been clinically evaluated and diagnosed and may be worsened through participation in imaging procedures
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Laura R Waldman, L.C.S.W.
Phone
(301) 402-9348
Email
moodresearch@mail.nih.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Carlos A Zarate, M.D.
Phone
(877) 646-3644
Email
zaratec@mail.nih.gov
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Carlos A Zarate, M.D.
Organizational Affiliation
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
City
Bethesda
State/Province
Maryland
ZIP/Postal Code
20892
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Yes
IPD Sharing Plan Description
.Clinical and demographic and biomarker participant data collected during the trial, after deidentification.
IPD Sharing Time Frame
Starting within 1 year of completion of the study.
IPD Sharing Access Criteria
The Branch Chief will review requests and access will need to be approved by the NIMH/DIRP SD and OCD NIMH and the NIH IRB.
Citations:
PubMed Identifier
32757505
Citation
Ballard ED, Park LT, Pao M, Zarate CA. Clinical Trials With Suicidal Individuals Can Be Conducted Safely. J Clin Psychiatry. 2020 Aug 4;81(5):20l13353. doi: 10.4088/JCP.20l13353. No abstract available.
Results Reference
derived
Links:
URL
https://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/detail.cgi?A_2015-M-0188.html
Description
NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web Page

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Neurobiology of Suicide

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