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Neurocognitive functioning and suicidality in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Elizabeth A Barrett1, Kjetil Sundet, Carmen Simonsen
1Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway. e.a.barrett@medisin.uio.no
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|February 8, 2011
Summary
This study found no significant differences in IQ or neurocognitive functioning between suicide attempters and non-attempters in schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients. Impulsivity in currently suicidal patients was linked to positive psychotic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are associated with increased suicide risk.
- Neurocognitive deficits are common in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- The relationship between neurocognitive function and suicide attempts in this population requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine differences in intelligence quotient (IQ), executive functioning, and impulsivity between suicide attempters and non-attempters in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- To assess neurocognitive performance using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.
- To explore potential mediators of impulsivity in currently suicidal patients.
Main Methods:
- One hundred seventy-four patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included.
- Participants underwent clinical interviews for diagnosis, suicidality assessment, and symptom evaluation.
- An extensive neurocognitive test battery was administered to assess various cognitive domains.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in IQ or neurocognitive domains were found between lifetime suicide attempters and non-attempters.
- No significant differences were observed between patients with varying rates of suicide attempts.
- Currently suicidal patients exhibited significantly higher impulsivity (poorer inhibitory control) than non-suicidal patients, mediated by positive psychotic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, there are no significant differences in IQ or overall neurocognitive functioning between individuals who have attempted suicide and those who have not.
- Impulsivity, specifically inhibitory control, may be a relevant factor in current suicidality, but this is influenced by positive psychotic symptoms.
- These findings suggest that broad neurocognitive assessments may not differentiate suicide attempters from non-attempters in this patient group.
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