Impulsivity and Suicide Risk: Review and Clinical Implications

Impulsivity, a frequently misunderstood aspect of suicide risk, has long been considered important to the etiology and prediction of suicide. In particular, impulsivity is highlighted for its role in facilitating suicidal actions among those with suicidal ideation. Mann and colleagues1 developed a clinical model of suicidal behavior which suggests that impulsivity makes individuals “more likely to act on suicidal feelings.” Similarly, Bryan and Rudd2 state that impulsivity “may actually be a more significant indicator of suicide attempt than the presence of a specific suicide plan.”