Exploring the role of impulsivity, aggression, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers in suicide attempts: A cross-diagnostic study.

Abstract

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between suicidal behavior and peripheral inflammatory markers, atherogenic indices, serum albumin levels, impulsivity, and aggression.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients hospitalized for a recent suicide attempt, 74 psychiatric patients without a recent suicide attempt, and 85 healthy controls. Inflammatory markers, atherogenic indices, and serum albumin levels were assessed from fasting blood samples. Impulsivity and aggression were measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).

Results: Serum albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.001), and the Neutrophil-to-Albumin Ratio (NAR) was elevated (p < 0.001) in the group of individuals who recently attempted suicide compared to both psychiatric patients without a recent suicide attempt and healthy controls. Logistic regression identified NAR (p = 0.001), low albumin (p = 0.017), impulsivity (β = 0.041, p = 0.001), and aggression (p < 0.001) as significant predictors of suicidal behavior. Lower education (p = 0.001) and lifetime substance use disorders (p = 0.003) were also significant predictors. No significant differences were found in atherogenic indices.

Conclusion: Low albumin levels and elevated NAR are significant predictors of suicide risk, highlighting the role of inflammation.Moreover, educational disparities and substance use must be addressed in suicide prevention strategies.