Open AccessOn the role of impulsivity and decision-making in suicidal behavior
Author(s) -
Yari Gvion,
Yossi LeviBelz,
Gergö Hadlaczky,
Alan Apter
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2220-3206
DOI - 10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.255
Subject(s) - impulsivity , trait , set (abstract data type) , psychology , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , clinical psychology , medicine , computer science , medical emergency , programming language
Suicide risk constitutes a complex set of interacting demographic, clinical, psychobiological and environmental variables. Impulsivity is a long-known risk factor for suicide attempts. However, research based on clearer conceptual refinement in this area is imperative. One emerging field of study is that of decision-making. Impulsivity involves a failure of higher-order control, including decision-making. Using standardized operational definitions that take into consideration relevant aspects of impulsivity, including state- and trait-components and a deeper understanding of the process of decision-making in the suicidal mind, we may come a step closer to understanding suicidality and winning the fight in this scourge of human suffering.