Published online Sep 22, 2015. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.255
Peer-review started: March 12, 2015
First decision: May 13, 2015
Revised: June 30, 2015
Accepted: September 1, 2015
Article in press: September 2, 2015
Published online: September 22, 2015
Processing time: 201 Days and 16.7 Hours
Suicide risk constitutes a complex set of interacting demographic, clinical, psychobiological and environmental variables. Impulsivity is a long-known risk factor for suicide attempts. However, research based on clearer conceptual refinement in this area is imperative. One emerging field of study is that of decision-making. Impulsivity involves a failure of higher-order control, including decision-making. Using standardized operational definitions that take into consideration relevant aspects of impulsivity, including state- and trait-components and a deeper understanding of the process of decision-making in the suicidal mind, we may come a step closer to understanding suicidality and winning the fight in this scourge of human suffering.
Core tip: Impulsivity is a long-known risk factor for suicide attempts. Impulsivity involves a failure of higher-order control, including decision-making. Thus, decision-making may be particularly pertinent to suicidal behavior. Deficits in decision-making may impair people’s ability to resolve problems and dilemmas and thus create an accumulation of stressors leading to further pain. These may give rise to risky choices such as self- harm or suicide behaviors.