Self-Report vs. Computerized Measures of Impulsivity as a Correlate of Suicidal Behavior

This study compared the use of a self-report form of impulsivity versus a computerized test of impulsivity in the assessment of suicidal adolescent psychiatric inpatients. 60 consecutive admissions to an adolescent inpatient unit were examined. There was a significant but low correlation between the 2 measures of impulsivity. Only the Tests of Variables of Attention commission & omission errors differentiated between adolescent suicide attempters & nonattempters. Impulsivity appears to play a small role only in nondepressed suicidal adolescents, especially boys. (43 refs.)