The effect of cognitive behaviour therapy on neuropsychology of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt

Abstract

One of the primary causes of death around the world can be attributed to Suicidality. Almost 1 million people across the globe commit suicide annually. Neurocognition has an impact on suicidal ideation and deficits in cognitive markers influence the progression of suicide related thoughts to behaviours. The present study aims to determine the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy on neuropsychology implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempters. A mixedmethod approach was followed, which involved intervention and a quantitative newlineand qualitative analysis. A group of 43 participants aged between 18 to 25 years newlinewith suicidal ideation and behaviour were chosen. Twenty participants reported having suicidal ideation and no history of suicide attempt or self-harm, whereas 23 participants reported having suicidal ideation and at least one attempt of selfharm or suicidal behaviour. All the participants were assessed on planning, verbal fluency, and response inhibition tests. The participants then receive 8 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy sessions focussing on suicidal behaviour and thoughts. Posttherapy, the participants underwent a re-assessment of the neuropsychological functions. The results suggested that cognitive behaviour therapy significantly improved planning, verbal fluency and response inhibition. The neuropsychology of individuals with suicidal ideation was not significantly different from that of individuals with suicide attempts. The feeling of entrapment and level of newlinedepression were qualitatively found to be influencing suicidal ideation and suicide newlineattempts. The study paves the way for further exploration of factors that predict newlinesuicide and determining the cause-and-effect relationship between the factors.