Dimensions of Impulsivity and Aggression Associated With Suicide Attempts Among Bipolar Patients: a Preliminary Study

In this study, the authors assessed trait impulsivity & hostility among 52 DSM-IV bipolar subjects with & without histories of suicide attempts. Impulsivity & hostility were correlated among attempters, but not non-attempters. Attempters had significantly higher levels of overall hostility, more extensive subcomponents of hostility, & a trend toward higher overall impulsivity. Associations between lifetime suicide attempts & overall hostility were significant. The implications of these findings are discussed. (11 refs)