Neurocognition and Suicide Risk in Adults

Purpose of ReviewNeurocognitive deficits (impaired mental abilities corresponding to brain dysfunction) are transdiagnostic features of psychiatric illness, which account for the vast majority of suicide deaths. Here, we provide a selective empirical overview of neurocognitive factors and associated pathophysiology implicated in adult suicide. The present report draws primarily from the neuropsychology literature to complement and update prior reviews and meta-analyses.Recent FindingsSuicidality is linked to impairment across neurocognitive domains, particularly inhibition and decision-making components of executive functioning (EF).SummaryExtant research has primarily examined cool EF in suicide, yet there is strong preliminary evidence for the importance of hot EF involved in affect regulation and value-based decision-making. Our review accordingly integrates what is known about neurocognition and suicidality under a conceptual framework informed by this literature and prior theory. We specifically propose that hot EF deficits represent a common pathway to suicide from various distal risk factors.