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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
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Published on: November 13, 2016
EEG source functional connectivity in patients after a recent suicide attempt
Anna Bankwitz1, Annia Rüesch1, Atalìa Adank1
1University of Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Objective:
Electroencephalogram (EEG) based frequency measures within the alpha frequency range (AFR), including functional connectivity, show potential in assessing the underlying pathophysiology of depression and suicide-related outcomes. We investigated the association between AFR connectivity, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and depression in a transdiagnostic sample of patients after a recent suicide attempt (SA).
Methods:
Lagged source-based measures of linear and nonlinear whole-brain connectivity within the standard AFR ([sAFR], 8-12 Hz) and the individually referenced AFR (iAFR) were applied to 70 15-minute resting-state EEGs from patients after a SA and 70 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC). Hypotheses were tested using network-based statistics and multiple regression models.
Results:
Results showed no significant differences between patients after a SA and HC in any of the assessed connectivity modalities. However, a subgroup analysis revealed significantly increased nonlinear connectivity within the sAFR for patients after a SA with a depressive disorder or episode ([DD], n = 53) compared to matched HC. Furthermore, a multiple regression model, including significant main effects for group and global nonlinear connectivity within the sAFR outperformed all other models in explaining variance in depressive symptom severity.
Conclusions:
Our study further supports the importance of the AFR in pathomechanisms of suicidality and depression. The iAFR does not seem to improve validity of phase-based connectivity.
Significance:
Our results implicate distinct neurophysiological patterns in suicidal subgroups. Exploring the potential of these patterns for treatment stratification might advance targeted interventions for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
