Characterization of Impulsivity in Suicide Completers: Clinical, Behavioral and Psychosocial Dimensions

164 suicide cases with impulsivity scores based on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale were investigated. To examine the most extreme phenotypes, 100 suicide cases, representing subjects with scores above the seventieth percentile & below the thirtieth percentile were compared on clinical, behavioural, & psychosocial risk factors. The impulsive suicide cases were significantly younger, exhibited higher measures of aggressive behaviour, & were more likely to have a cluster B diagnosis as well as lifetime & 6-month prevalence of alcohol & drug abuse/dependence. Impulsive suicides were more likely to have had a history of childhood abuse & to have experienced a triggering life event up to a week preceding their death. (66 refs.) JA