Interaction of affective and cognitive impairments in the suicidal state: a brief elaboration

This report examines the comorbidity among three key symptoms associated with suicidal intent, namely hopelessness, depression and unusual thinking. A total of 97 out-patients with suicidal thoughts were assessed using the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the anxious depression and unusual thinking factor scales of the Derogatis Symptom Checklist-90, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. It was found that, in considering the interaction between key presenting symptoms, the combination of hopelessness and unusual thinking (which consisted of symptoms such as 'trouble concentrating' and 'mind going blank') was the strongest predictor of the seriousness of current suicidal inclinations.