Citation

Colborn VA, LaCroix JM, Neely LL, Tucker J, Perera K, Daruwala SE, Grammer G, Weaver J, Ghahramanlou-Holloway M. Psychiatry Res. 2017; 253: 18-21.

Affiliation

Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA. Electronic address: marjan.holloway@usuhs.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2017.03.026

PMID

28319787

Abstract

A history of multiple suicide attempts conveys greater risk for suicide than a single attempt. Impulsivity may partially explain the association between multiple attempts and increased risk. We examined trait impulsivity, ability to engage in goal-directed behaviors, and impulse control among psychiatrically hospitalized United States military personnel and their dependents. Individuals with a history of multiple versus single attempts had significantly higher motor impulsivity, indicating spur of the moment action. Providers are encouraged to directly assess and treat motor impulsivity among suicidal individuals. Further research should explore whether motor impulsivity is a mechanism of change in psychosocial suicide prevention interventions.

Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Language: en

Keywords

Impulsivity; Inpatient; Military; Military dependents; Suicide attempts