Blood markers to predict depression and suicide risk in teenagers

Plain-English translation of NCT05437588 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Researchers are looking for specific biological markers in blood that could help identify teenagers at risk for depression and suicide. By studying blood samples from teens with depression, suicidal thoughts, or recent suicide attempts, along with healthy teenagers, the study aims to understand how the brain changes in these conditions. This knowledge could eventually help doctors predict who is at highest risk and choose the best treatments.

Depression and suicide are serious problems in teenagers, and doctors don't have reliable ways to predict who is at highest risk or know which treatments will work best for each person. This study exists to find biological warning signs in the blood that could help doctors catch and treat these conditions earlier.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are physically healthy
you are between 12 and 18 years old (implied by 'adolescents' in trial title)
you have been diagnosed with major depression or have had suicidal thoughts in the past two weeks
you are willing to have a blood draw and answer some questions about your mood
if you are under 18, a parent or guardian is willing to give permission for you to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or within 2 months of giving birth
you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a psychotic disorder
you have used illegal drugs (other than cannabis) or struggled with substance abuse in the past month
you have a history of serious eating disorders like anorexia nervosa
you have had a recent heart attack, active cancer, head injury, or are currently on immunosuppressive medications

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you'll come in for an initial visit where researchers will take a blood sample and ask you questions about your mood and any suicidal thoughts. If you have depression, you'll return for a second visit after six weeks to give another blood sample and repeat the assessments. The study is collecting information on how standard depression treatment affects both your symptoms and the biological markers in your blood over time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 19, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, Huntsville, Alabama