Impulsivity, aggression, and suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Moore, F. R., Doughty, H., Neumann, T., McClelland, H. , Allott, C. and O'Connor, R. C. (2022) Impulsivity, aggression, and suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine, 45, 101307. (doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101307) (PMID:35243273) (PMCID:PMC8860929)

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to crystallize the nature of relationships between impulsivity, aggression, and suicidality. We reviewed studies of adults with published, psychometric measures of impulsivity and aggression, and measures of suicidality. Methods Our primary data source was Web of Science (from inception to 31st December 2021). Quality of articles was assessed using a Joanna Briggs Appraisal Tool and publication bias using Trim and Fill. We synthesised results using random effects meta-analyses and explored moderation by measure of impulsivity, aggression, and suicidality, and population. Findings 77 studies were included in our analysis. We found weak positive relationships between impulsivity (r = 0·19 [95% CI: 0·15–0·22]), aggression (0·23 ([0·17, 0·29]), and impulsive aggression (0·16 [0·1, 0·22]) with suicidality. Heterogeneity was significant and only partially explained by moderators. Limitations included the lack of studies which assess impulsivity or aggression proximal to suicidality. Interpretation Given small effect sizes and significant heterogeneity, the study suggests that additional studies are needed in the field to analyze the relation between impulsivity and aggression with suicidality.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Allott, Claire and Moore, Fhionna and O'Connor, Professor Rory and Mcclelland, Dr Heather
• Authors: Moore, F. R., Doughty, H., Neumann, T., McClelland, H., Allott, C., and O'Connor, R. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: EClinicalMedicine
• Publisher: Lancet Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2589-5370
• ISSN (Online): 2589-5370
• Published Online: 18 February 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in EClinicalMedicine 45:101307
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence