Interaction of Affective and Cognitive Impairments in the Suicidal State: a Brief Elaboration

The comorbidity among 3 key symptoms associated with suicidal intent, i.e. hopelessness, depression & unusual thinking, was examined. 97 outpatients with suicidal thoughts were assessed. It was found that, in considering the interaction between key presenting symptoms, the combination of hopelessness & unusual thinking (symptoms such as “trouble concentrating” or “mind going blank”) was the strongest predictor of the seriousness of current suicidal inclinations. (25 refs.)