Conference Updates Archives • PMT Research Institute https://pmtresearch.org Holeigh J. Skyler Foundation Sat, 27 May 2017 23:33:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 https://i0.wp.com/pmtresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-pmt-sm.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Conference Updates Archives • PMT Research Institute https://pmtresearch.org 32 32 147554552 Integrating Phenomenological and Neurobiological Models to Enhance Prediction of Adult Psychopathology and Suicidality https://pmtresearch.org/integrating-phenomenological-and-neurobiological-models-to-enhance-prediction-of-adult-psychopathology-and-suicidality/ Wed, 03 May 2017 17:34:06 +0000 https://www.pmtresearch.org/public/home/?p=188 In recent years, there have been substantial advancements in research describing the neurobiological underpinnings of mental disorders and suicidality. The goal of this article is to assimilate the prevailing genetic markers, molecular signatures, neurochemical substrates, and patterns of brain activation to rectify current theoretical models of suicidal behavior. Using data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area

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]]> In recent years, there have been substantial advancements in research describing the neurobiological underpinnings of mental disorders and suicidality. The goal of this article is to assimilate the prevailing genetic markers, molecular signatures, neurochemical substrates, and patterns of brain activation to rectify current theoretical models of suicidal behavior. Using data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health), we identified the most prevalent mental and physical health common factors reported by those that expressed suicide attempts or suicidal ideation. Specific processes were extrapolated and used as a basis for the analysis of biomarkers found in studies of suicide victims. Of those that expressed suicide attempts or suicidal ideation, common factors included depression (59.1%), irrational guilt (59.1%), worthlessness (77.3%), self-doubt (68.2%), impaired attention (86.4%), and rumination about death (81.8%). Of those that attempted suicide, the common triggering cause was loss of a loved one or chronic physical pain. Framing the neurobiological findings in studies of suicide victims with these mental states reveal pathways implicated in the contemporary theoretical models of suicidality. Thus, advances in the neurobiology of suicidality complements phenomenological hypotheses of suicide. Alterations in these mechanisms may present measurable phenotypes that can be used to identify diathesis, predisposition, and diagnosis.

Significance. Current methods of screening are based on self-reports, which are not completely accurate, but by supplementing with biological markers, clinicians can more efficiently test for predisposing biochemical/molecular traits.

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]]> 188 Connecting Ultimate and Proximate Explanations of Suicide https://pmtresearch.org/connecting-ultimate-and-proximate-explanations-of-suicide/ Wed, 03 May 2017 17:33:12 +0000 https://www.pmtresearch.org/public/home/?p=186 A variety of mechanisms have been proposed which link suicide risk factors and behavior, including psychache, thwarted belongingness, and escape from self, among others. While strong evidence for the predictive power of these variables exists, it remains unclear why these proximal mechanisms are systematically linked to seemingly maladaptive outcomes (i.e., suicidal behavior) across individuals. Building

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]]> A variety of mechanisms have been proposed which link suicide risk factors and behavior, including psychache, thwarted belongingness, and escape from self, among others. While strong evidence for the predictive power of these variables exists, it remains unclear why these proximal mechanisms are systematically linked to seemingly maladaptive outcomes (i.e., suicidal behavior) across individuals. Building on de Cantazaro (1991)’s inclusive fitness model of suicide, we review proximal mechanisms of suicide — including thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, psychache, body image, and others — and suggest functionally specific outcomes which these may be tracking. In the process, we discuss the fitness consequences of risk factors associated with each mechanism (e.g. incarceration, job loss, rejection, etc.) and draw connections to otherwise puzzling suicide predictors (e.g. food insecurity). In so doing, we establish a preliminary framework connecting ultimate and proximate explanations on which future models of suicidality may build. We conclude by discussing possible implications for suicide prevention and emphasizing the need for a unified theoretical account of suicide which considers psychological, functional, and biological levels of analysis.

Significance. The work adds to our knowledge of the topic by bridging the theoretical divide between traditional models of suicide (e.g. the interpersonal Theory of Suicide, Suicide as Escape from Self, etc.), which focus on subjective experiences, and functional models of suicide, which focus on evolutionary explanations of suicide. By reviewing various proximate mechanisms and connecting these to specific, functional explanations suicide interventions may be created which target both the proximate cognitive processes underlying suicide as well as the environmental circumstances likely to produce suicidal behavior.

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