Suicide remains a profound public health crisis in the United States, ranking among the leading causes of death. Addressing this urgent issue requires a multifaceted approach grounded in scientific investigation. In this context, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is organizing a pivotal webinar on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET that delves into the biological underpinnings of suicide risk. This event aims to illuminate the complex neurobiological and physiological factors contributing to suicidal behaviors, offering fresh insights into prevention strategies. The webinar will be hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., the President and CEO of BBRF, who is well-known for his role in the Emmy® nominated television series Healthy Minds, dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues.
The eminent feature of the webinar will be the presentation by Steven Lamontagne, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) within the Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch. Dr. Lamontagne’s research focuses explicitly on dissecting the biological dimensions of suicide risk amid the ongoing suicide crisis. His work encompasses cutting-edge brain imaging techniques, comprehensive clinical assessments, and a range of biological assays, all designed to weave a more precise and integrated understanding of suicidality. This multidisciplinary approach is critical for moving beyond traditional psychiatric paradigms and towards targeted therapeutic interventions.
Central to Dr. Lamontagne’s presentation will be preliminary data on the effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant properties, often explored as a treatment for suicidal ideation. The studies leverage magnetoencephalography (MEG), a sophisticated neuroimaging technique that measures the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity. MEG affords temporal and spatial resolution unparalleled by other imaging modalities, allowing researchers to capture dynamic neural processes implicated in the acute phases of suicidal thought patterns. This real-time brain mapping sheds light on alterations in circuit function that may precede or accompany suicidal behavior.
In addition to neuroimaging, Dr. Lamontagne integrates a battery of clinical assessments tailored to quantify psychological and behavioral dimensions routinely associated with suicide risk. These include structured interviews, symptom rating scales, and longitudinal follow-ups to track changes over time and in response to therapeutic intervention. This clinical characterization, in tandem with neurobiological data, permits a nuanced stratification of individuals at risk, thereby refining predictive models and enhancing early identification efforts.
Biological tests form another cornerstone of this research initiative. They involve the measurement of biomarkers derived from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other sources, which can signal neurochemical imbalances, inflammatory responses, or genetic predispositions linked to suicidality. Unraveling these biochemical signatures can enrich our understanding of underlying pathophysiology and offer novel targets for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
The synthesis of multimodal data collected through these advanced techniques has the potential to revolutionize suicide prevention by informing personalized medicine approaches. By delineating the trajectories of suicidal ideation and behavior at a molecular and systems neuroscience level, the research makes significant strides towards mitigating risk factors with clinically actionable strategies. This scientific endeavor epitomizes an intersection between translational neuroscience and mental health care, embodying hope for individuals vulnerable to suicide.
BBRF’s commitment to this area is notable, reflecting its broader mission to accelerate breakthroughs in mental health research. The Foundation has invested over $475 million since 1987 in funding more than 5,700 scientists worldwide who pursue innovative ideas that address disorders including addiction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and critical to this discussion, suicide prevention. Remarkably, the Foundation dedicates 100% of all donations directly to research efforts, with administrative costs supported by separate grants, underscoring its efficiency and dedication.
The upcoming webinar will not only disseminate these pioneering research findings but also foster dialogue among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. Through such engagement, the event aims to amplify awareness and catalyze collaborative efforts that expand beyond biological mechanisms to encompass psychosocial and environmental contributors to suicide. This comprehensive outlook is vital for cultivating community resilience and effective intervention frameworks.
Given the complexity surrounding suicide, integrating biological insights with clinical practice represents a paradigm shift. Such integration challenges prevailing stigma by framing suicide prevention as an urgent medical priority grounded in empirical evidence. The BBRF webinar thus contributes to a transformative narrative about mental illness, reinforcing that recovery and hope remain tangible with informed care.
Participation in this event is open to the public, providing a rare opportunity to access firsthand knowledge from a leading expert in the field. Stakeholders across disciplines and those with lived experience stand to benefit from the dissemination of these critical advancements, facilitating informed discussions and better resource allocation.
In summary, this forthcoming webinar organized by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation encapsulates an urgent and innovative scientific response to suicide, a public health emergency. Through the integration of magnetoencephalographic imaging, clinical evaluations, and biological testing, Dr. Steven Lamontagne’s research promises to refine our understanding of suicide risk and propel targeted prevention efforts. The event exemplifies the Frontiers of mental health research and underscores the ongoing need for investment and public engagement in this vital domain.
Subject of Research: Biological Factors Underlying Suicide Risk
Article Title: Investigating Biological Factors Underlying Suicide Risk: Advances and Insights from Neuroimaging and Clinical Research
News Publication Date: Not provided
Web References: https://bbrfoundation.org/event/investigating-biological-factors-underlying-suicide-risk
Image Credits: Credit: BBRF
Keywords: Suicide, Biological Factors, Neuroimaging, Magnetoencephalography, Ketamine Treatment, Suicide Prevention, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, Mental Health Research, Clinical Assessments
