Citation

Guillaume S, Jollant F, Malafosse A, Castelnau D, Phillippe D. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 134.

Affiliation

CHU Montpellier and INSERM E0361, Service de Psychologie Medicale Hopital Lapeyronie Avenue du Doyen G.Giraud, 34000 Montpellier, France. sebastien.guillaume@neuf.fr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964114

Abstract

Background: We previously reported decision-making to be impaired in suicide attempters. Decision-making impairment may be a factor of vulnerability of suicidal behavior (SB). Influential research by Bechara et al. suggests that decision-making processes depend upon correct emotional regulation. Aim: To investigate emotional regulation and its link with decision-making performance in suicide attempters. Method: Thirty euthymic patients with a history of violent suicide attempt and depression were matched for age and gender with 30 patients with a history of depression but no history of SB and 30 healthy subjects. Subjects were assessed with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT, classical and reverse versions), a decision making test, and an emotional induction test (Ekman's faces). Skin conductance responses (SCR) were monitored during these tests. Results: Suicide attempters exhibit significant alteration of performances compared to controls in both versions of the IGT. Moreover, SCR activation while watching emotionally non neutral faces is significantly lowered in this group. SCR were significantly correlated with IGT performance in all groups. Conclusion: Emotional dysregulation in suicide attempters may explain decision-making impairment and be a key feature of the vulnerability to SB.

Language: en