Chapter Six - Images of the Suicidal Brain

Summary

In addition to neurocognitive studies, neuroimaging techniques provide a unique opportunity to study brain characteristics. Structural imaging studies clearly demonstrate volumetric differences in particular brain areas between individuals with a history of nonfatal suicidal behavior and those without such a history. Functional imaging studies show a reduced prefrontal perfusion or metabolism and a blunted increase in activation when challenged in the brains of individuals with a history of suicide attempts. Moreover, impairment of the prefrontal serotonergic system in association with suicidal behavior is demonstrated in a number of studies. Recent structural and functional imaging studies show changes in cortical and subcortical areas and their connections in association with suicidal behavior and risk factors such as mental pain, hopelessness, and impulsivity. The global picture that emerges from these studies reflects the involvement of a particular circuit in the development of suicidal behavior, the so-called frontothalamic network.