The Role of Impulsive and Aggressive Traits, Albumin and Thyroid Functions in Recent Suicide Attempters: An Investigation with a Transdiagnostic Approach

Suicide is a complex behavior involving multiple psychological and biological factors. However, multidimensional and transdiagnostic approaches, including behavioral and biological correlates to suicidal behavior, are currently lacking. In this study we examined the role of impulsive and aggressive traits as well as thyroid function and serum albumin levels in the emergence of suicidal behavior in patients with different psychiatric diagnoses. Sixty patients (30 males and 30 females) with various psychiatric diagnoses who attempted suicide recently and sixty age- and gender-matched non-suicidal healthy subjects were included in the study. Albumin and thyroid hormone levels on admission were recorded and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were administered to all subjects. Patients who underwent a suicide attempt had higher BIS-11 and BPAQ scores and serum fT4 levels, while serum albumin and TSH were significantly higher in the non-suicidal group. According to univariate and multivariate regression analyses, high BIS-11, BPAQ scores and low TSH levels were significant independent predictors of recent suicidal behavior. Our findings indicate that there is a robust relationship between suicidal behavior, thyroid dysfunction and low serum albumin. High impulsive and aggressive traits may be involved this relationship.