Neural correlates of suicidal ideation and its reduction in depression.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The neural correlates of suicidal ideation and its reduction after treatment are unknown. We hypothesized that increased regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the infralimbic cortex (Brodmann area 25), amygdala, and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex would be associated with suicidal ideation and its reduction after ketamine infusion.

METHODS:

Medication-free patients (n=19) with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder underwent positron emission tomography imaging at baseline and 230 minutes after an open-label ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg for 40 minutes).

RESULTS:

Baseline suicidal ideation and regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the infralimbic cortex were significantly correlated (r=.59, P=.007); but not overall mood scores (r=-.07, P=.79). Reductions in suicidal ideation after ketamine infusion were correlated with decreased regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the infralimbic cortex (r=.54, P=.02). Metabolism in other areas of interest was not significantly correlated with suicidal ideation or depression.

CONCLUSION:

The infralimbic cortex may be implicated in suicidal ideation.

• Authors: Elizabeth D Ballard, Níall Lally, Allison C Nugent, Maura L Furey, David A Luckenbaugh, Carlos A Zarate Jr
• Journal: The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (Int J Neuropsychopharmacol) Vol. 18 Issue 1 (Oct 31 2014) ISSN: 1469-5111 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25550331 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Chemical References

• Ketamine
• Glucose

Topics

• Brain (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Brain Mapping
• Depressive Disorder, Major (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Glucose (metabolism)
• Humans
• Ketamine (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Positron-Emission Tomography
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Suicidal Ideation
• Treatment Outcome