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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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01-10-2008 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Executive performance of depressed suicide attempters: the role of suicidal ideation

Authors: Jens Westheide, Boris B. Quednow, Kai-Uwe Kuhn, Christian Hoppe, Déirdre Cooper-Mahkorn, Barbara Hawellek, Petra Eichler, Wolfgang Maier, Michael Wagner

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Objective

Suicidal ideation has been related to cognitive rigidity whereas suicidal behaviour itself was associated with specific executive deficits. Yet it remains unclear if a distinct cognitive suicidal phenotype does exist. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the role of suicidal thinking for the neuropsychological performance in depressive suicide attempters.

Method

Depressive inpatients after a recent suicide attempt, who either had present suicidal ideation (n = 14) or not (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 29) were recruited. The groups were assessed by means of executive tasks designed to capture impulsive decision-making, and with verbal memory and attention tests. Self-rating measures of impulsivity and aggression were further applied.

Results

Only patients with current suicidal ideation showed executive dysfunctions with impaired decision-making being the most salient. Verbal memory and attention were reasonably intact in all patients. All patients reported increased aggression.

Conclusion

Suicidal ideation is clearly associated with impaired cognitive performance. Our results suggest that executive deficits seen in depressive suicide attempters have a state-dependent component.

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Title: Executive performance of depressed suicide attempters: the role of suicidal ideation
Authors: Jens Westheide
Boris B. Quednow
Kai-Uwe Kuhn
Christian Hoppe
Déirdre Cooper-Mahkorn
Barbara Hawellek
Petra Eichler
Wolfgang Maier
Michael Wagner
Publication date: 01-10-2008
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-008-0811-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Executive performance of depressed suicide attempters: the role of suicidal ideation

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

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