In October of 2019, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago identified differences in brain circuitry that may relate to suicidal behavior within individuals with mood disorders. Therefore, this study offers an encouraging lead towards developing tools that may predict which individuals are at the highest risk for suicide.
Suicide rates are steadily increasing, particularly among individuals with mood disorders like depression. Over half of those individuals who committed suicide sought medical help from a health professional within the previous 30 days, but not necessarily for their mood issues. Although urgent care facilities and emergency departments may ask screening questions dealing with mood and psychological health, suicide rates are on the rise.
Currently, self-reporting and health-provider judgment are the only ways to identify individuals who may be at high risk for suicide-related behavior. Although that is a good starting point, it is not sufficient for identifying those suffering and in need of help. Stigma and fear of subsequent judgment or consequences may lead those who experience suicidal thoughts or ideations not to report these incidents to their health care providers. Therefore, these negative thoughts and feelings go unreported and undetected, leading to detrimental consequences.
The researchers used functional MRI’s to capture brain images of calm and rested patients. This process allowed the researchers to assess circuit connectivity within the brain at base levels. The study found that the group with a history of suicide attempts showed less connection within their cognitive control network (CCN), which involves decision-making and problem-solving.
Furthermore, there was less connectivity between the CCN and the default-mode network (DMN) within this group. Therefore, there was a limited connection between the parts of their brains that deal with decision-making and self-reflection/thought. These variations may present a target for treatment within the neurons of the brain. Science could find a way to improve connectivity between the CCN and the DMN to reduce suicide risk for the future.
This type of research is still new, and this was a small study. Since it consisted of only 18 participants with histories of suicide attempts and mood disorders, it will need replication among a new and larger sample. Furthermore, the results of the study do not confirm that individuals at risk for suicide with mood disorders have a different mental illness than those without the risk for suicide, or whether every individual with a mood disorder is at risk of suicide. Furthermore, the study focused on past events, such as previous suicide attempts. Also, the MRI scans did not occur during the suicide attempts, so the images the researchers studied may not represent what the brain looks like during an actual suicidal episode.
This type of research requires a longitudinal study or one that involves repeating observations and analysis of the same group of people over a specific period. The researchers could measure brain circuits in the beginning and check in regularly with patients to see how they are doing. In this case, it may be beneficial to follow individuals at the beginning of their diagnosis of a mood disorder and then follow their journeys for a few years, so that MRI’s may be taken multiple times for the same individual. This way, the researchers could identify how the brain changes during suicidal episodes and compare that data with previous research. This data will provide an improved idea of which risk factors to monitor at the clinical level, and when there should be medical interventions.
Feeling Lost and Looking for Help?
Past research on suicide and its risk among individuals create a foundation for future research to build upon and may lead to life-saving interventions at the neurological and psychological levels. Studies such as this help researchers guide their studies to cater to the needs of the population and those who have mental illness, suicidal ideations, and substance use disorders that regularly accompany these issues. Prevention of mental illness, related suicidal thoughts, and subsequent substance use disorders are vital to improving the health of all individuals in this modern, fast-paced society. If you or someone you know is contending with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call Enlightened Solutions today at 833-801-LIVE.
We are here to help. Contact us today and get the answers you need to start your journey to recovery!
Discuss treatment options
Get help for a loved one
Verify insurance coverage
Start the admissions process
Fill out this form and we’ll respond to your message
Don't hesitate to contact us or visit our clinic.