NIH and NIMH: We’re deeply committed to reducing suicide

Suicide is a human tragedy and a major public health concern, and the National Institutes of Health is deeply committed to bringing the very best science to this critical issue. NIH expenditures on research related to suicide are far more extensive than the USA TODAY analysis implies.

Research demonstrates that most individuals who die by suicide suffer from some form of mental illness, whether diagnosed or not. Annually, NIH spends an estimated $68 million on suicide and suicide prevention research and an additional $2.7 billion on mental health research. By improving the diagnosis and management of mental illnesses, we can effectively reduce the risk of suicide.

NIH’s broad portfolio of research targeted specifically at suicide prevention includes research aimed at testing and implementing effective strategies for identifying individuals at risk of suicide, as well as interventions that reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additional research projects focus on understanding the neurobiological and psychological factors that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, in order to develop novel treatments.

Recent results from these research efforts are poised to make a real difference. For example, a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health demonstrated the utility and cost effectiveness of universal screening for suicide risk in emergency rooms. In another NIMH-supported study, investigators applied big data and artificial intelligence techniques to electronic medical records, showing that they can predict suicide attempts. These investigators are building a tool to automatically identify and refer patients at risk.

Further, NIMH researchers working at the NIH Clinical Center, NIH’s research hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, have demonstrated that ketamine, a novel antidepressant drug, can dramatically reduce suicidal thoughts in just a few hours. Although not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose, this is the first time a drug has been definitively shown to target suicidality acutely.

NIH-supported research findings offer hope for significant, evidencebased progress in addressing the national tragedy of suicide.

Dr. Francis S. Collins is director of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Joshua A. Gordon is director of the National Institute of Mental Health.