Biomarker Discovery for Suicide Precision Circuit Therapeutics
60 participantsStarted 2026-07
Plain-language summary
This is a prospective observational biomarker study assessing changes in clinical, behavioral, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological measurer following ketamine/esketamine or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adults with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years
* Diagnosis of a major depressive episode associated with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder
* Presence of moderate to severe suicidal thoughts or behaviors, as determined by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI)
* Scheduled to receive an acute treatment course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), intravenous ketamine, or intranasal esketamine as part of routine clinical care
* Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Neurological disorders, particularly conditions associated with known structural brain lesions
* Inability to meet MRI safety requirements
* Current alcohol dependence
* Active symptoms of non-alcohol psychoactive substance withdrawal
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Suicidal Ideation Severity
Timeframe: Baseline and post-treatment assessment (approximately 2-8 weeks)
2
Change in Functional Brain Connectivity
Timeframe: Baseline and post-treatment assessment (approximately 2-8 weeks)
3
Change in Neurophysiological Circuit Activity
Timeframe: Baseline and post-treatment assessment (approximately 2-8 weeks)