Impulsivity and aggression in suicide across age and sex: case-control study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Impulsivity and aggression are established risk factors for suicide.
• Age and sex influence the impact of these risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age and sex variations in impulsivity and aggression.
• To determine the predictive roles of impulsivity and aggression in suicide risk.

Main Methods:

• Psychological autopsy method applied to 582 participants (406 suicide deaths, 176 controls).
• Measures included Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Brown-Goodwin History of Aggression (BGHA).
• Analyses of variance, correlation, and stepwise logistic regression were used to assess relationships and predictors.

Main Results:

• The suicide group exhibited higher impulsivity (BIS) and aggression (BGHA) than controls.
• Impulsivity and aggression decreased with age in suicide groups, but not in controls.
• Aggression predicted suicide in men; younger age, lower impulsivity, and living with children were protective for women.

Conclusions:

• Impulsive and aggressive behaviors are critical suicide risk factors, especially in younger individuals.
• Aggression is a key predictor for men, while impulsivity and aggression are relevant for women.
• Age is a significant factor, with distinct predictors for suicide risk in men and women.