Citation

Roskar S, Zorko M, Repovs G, Bucik V, Marusic A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 35.

Affiliation

Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Trubarjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. saska.roskar@ivz-rs.si.

Copyright

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

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963892

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate core cognitive and neuropsychological features of suicidal and depressed individuals, which may be important in the development and maintenance of suicidal behaviour. Methods: Subjects in the study were individuals with acute suicidal risk and persons with depressive disorder. Each participant was interviewed (demographic data, personal and family history, data on suicidal behaviour and depressive episode) and individually tested with neuropsyhological measures. To determine the rate of hopelessness and severity of depression we applied the Beck Hopelessness Scale and Beck Depression Questionnaire. Participants to the study completed all measures shortly after admission and again 8 weeks later. Results: Preliminary results indicate some cognitive deficits (problem solving deficiency; attentional bias) in suicidal as well as depressive individuals. Whether this cognitive decline improves over time (according to mood and mental status improvement) is still a subject of study. The two groups differed in regards to level of hopelessness. Conclusion: Revealed cognitive features are very likely to be involved in the development of the suicidal process. This needs to be considered when developing programmes aiming at suicide prevention. Special attention also needs to be focused on feelings of hopelessness as these are one of the key factors contributing to suicidal behaviour.

Language: en