Risky decision-making in suicide attempters, and the choice of a violent suicidal means: an updated meta-analysis

Studies showed disadvantageous decision-making in suicide attempters. The present meta-analysis aims to examine the stability of these findings and related questions. EMBASE Pubmed databases were searched for studies published between 01/01/2000 01/01/2020 with an additional search through bibliographical references. English or French articles peer-reviewed journals, reporting quantitative task-based measures attempters included: 3,582 records identified, 33 full-text screened, 21 finally included. All conducted mood disorders; 18 used Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) 3 Cambridge Gamble (CGT). With IGT, riskier choices than patient controls (Hedges’ g=-0.28 95%CI (-0.44 – -0.12)) healthy (g=-0.54 (-0.83 -0.25)) no significant difference control groups. was not age group, disorder type, author, research center while effect time publication found (p=0.006). Poorer performance also compared when using CGT (g=-0.57 (-0.82 -0.31)). Suicide who a violent means poorer IGT those non-violent (3 studies). Limited number outside disorders. No data calculate gender effect. confirmed Although group differences appear be modest size general, they particularly marked subgroup suicidal means.