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Cortical thickness in parietal regions link perseverative thinking with suicidal ideation
Ana E Sheehan1, Emily Heilner1, Nadia Bounoua1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States of America.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 19, 2022
Summary
Perseverative thinking (PT) is linked to suicidal ideation. This study found that increased left superior parietal cortical thickness may partially explain this association, revealing a potential neurobiological mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicide is a significant public health issue.
- The relationship between perseverative thinking (PT) and suicidal ideation is known, but its biological basis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cortical thickness differs based on PT.
- To determine if variations in cortical thickness mediate the link between PT and a history of suicidal ideation.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-three adults completed questionnaires on PT and suicidal ideation.
- Neuroimaging was used to analyze cortical thickness.
- Statistical analyses examined the association between PT, cortical thickness, and suicidal ideation.
Main Results:
- Perseverative thinking (PT) was positively associated with increased cortical thickness in bilateral parietal regions.
- PT was also positively associated with suicidal ideation.
- Left superior parietal thickness was found to partially mediate the relationship between PT and suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
- Perseverative thinking (PT) is linked to variations in cortical thickness.
- Increased left superior parietal thickness may be a neurobiological factor contributing to suicidal ideation.
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