Motor impulsivity differentiates between psychiatric inpatients with multiple versus single lifetime suicide attempts.
A history of multiple suicide attempts conveys greater risk for suicide than a single attempt. Impulsivity may partially explain the association between multiple attempts and increased risk. We examined trait impulsivity, ability to engage in goal-directed behaviors, and impulse control among psychiatrically hospitalized United States military personnel and their dependents. Individuals with a history of multiple versus single attempts had significantly higher motor impulsivity, indicating spur of the moment action. Providers are encouraged to directly assess and treat motor impulsivity among suicidal individuals. Further research should explore whether motor impulsivity is a mechanism of change in psychosocial suicide prevention interventions.
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Victoria A
VA
Colborn
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Jessica M
JM
LaCroix
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Laura L
LL
Neely
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Jennifer
J
Tucker
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Kanchana
K
Perera
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA.
Samantha E
SE
Daruwala
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Geoffrey
G
Grammer
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA.
Jennifer
J
Weaver
Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD, USA. Electronic address: marjan.holloway@usuhs.edu.
Marjan
M
Ghahramanlou-Holloway
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
Impulsivity; Inpatient; Military; Military dependents; Suicide attempts