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Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention - Our Research

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The Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention carries out research in both the Rocky Mountain Regional VA and Salt Lake City VA. We also partner across the U.S. with other VA sites, the Department of Defense and in local communities. Our research has informed changes to policy and practice throughout VHA and the community. Keep reading to learn more and see specific examples of our research.

 

Our Research Focus Areas

 

Suicide is complicated and has multiple causes. We study suicide from multiple angles, looking at factors that might put a Veteran at risk for suicide, as well as factors that help protect Veterans from suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Our research covers a wide range of topics related to suicide prevention, including the neurobiology of suicide, clinical and behavioral interventions targeting suicidal behavior, tailoring treatments to diverse Veteran populations and implementation of evidence-based practices for suicide prevention. Our programs and research are also aligned with the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide.


Neurobiology of SuicideNeurobiology of Suicide

Microbiome And SuicideMicrobiome and Suicide

Neurobiology of SuicideClinical Interventions

Neurobiology of SuicideClinical Implementation

Neurobiology of Suicide
Lethal Means Safety

Neurobiology of SuicideDiverse Populations


Neurobiology of Suicide

 

Neurobiology of Suicide

Our research into the neurobiology of suicide uses approaches such as brain imaging, animal models and data from public health records to examine how the brain’s structure and biochemistry may impact suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Hypoxia & Altitude

Several of our studies have explored how chronic hypoxia (lack of oxygen) resulting from living at high altitude may affect psychiatric disorders and treatments related to suicide. The graphics below give more information about studies conducted by researchers at our Salt Lake City site.

Association between altitude, prescription opioid misuse, and fatal overdoses Visual Abstract
How does altitude affect serotonin & depressive symptoms in rats
From rodent to human studies, how does #altitude affect neurochemistry?

Click the images to enlarge and learn more.

Creatine Supplementation

Creatine for the Treatment of Depression Visual Abstract

Creatine supplementation has the potential to improve disruptions in brain energy that are implicated in the development and maintenance of depression. This visual abstract highlights one study in this area, conducted by Drs. Douglas Kondo and Perry Renshaw.

Click the image to enlarge and learn more.



Our research about the neurobiology of suicide is in the Basic and Preclinical Research phases. Visit the translational model page to learn more about these and other phases in the model.


Basic and Preclinical Research Phase

Explore other research focus areas

Research Findings

Explore publications from Rocky Mountain MIRECC research listed in the following documents.

Quick Links to Study Websites

Last Updated 27 December 2021

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