People who are depressed commonly have problems regulating their emotions. It is thought that one reason why some people who are depressed attempt suicide is that they are overwhelmed and self-harm seems like a way to stop the emotional pain. In other words, it can seem like a way to regulate emotional distress, despite the devastating consequences.

     This study is funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The goal of the study is to see whether certain laboratory behavioral markers and problems with emotion regulation are associated with depression and a history of suicide attempts.

     We are recruiting new participants into this treatment study. If you have attempted suicide recently, or if you are depressed but have not attempted suicide ever, and you are interested in being a participant to help with this study, please call the Study Coordinator for this project, Lisalynn Kelley, at 684-6701.