Impulsivity and Thought Process Disorder in Patients With Active Suicidal Ideation and Depression

This study is dedicated to achieving a better understanding of how the brain processes information. Specifically, the investigators are studying cognitive function, thought process, and impulsivity in people with and without suicidal thoughts. You are being asked to participate in a research study to learn how the use of a medication, risperidone, improves your symptoms of depression. Specifically the investigators are studying the effectiveness of reducing the thought of suicide and other symptoms of severe depression. Risperidone is approved by FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania, and clinical practice suggests that it might benefit patients with major depressive disorder. During clinical trials with 2607 patients, risperidone was proved to be safe. This is a pilot study to test a new indication of risperidone for treatment of severe depression. The study medication will be given in addition to usual psychiatric care.