2005 issue 2

Back

Volume 21, issue 2

Article

Impulsivity and suicide

Małgorzata Rzewuska1
1. Samodzielna Pracownia Farmakoterapii, Instytutu Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2005, 2, 131-142
Keywords: impulsivity, autoagression, pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Impulsivity is potentially leading to autoadestructive acts, including suicide. Abnormalities in the brain's serotonin symptoms may predispose to aggressive behavior. But probable not all serotoninergic and anxiolytic agents are safe in patients with impulsive behavior. An open, double blinded, randomized study found that the long-term therapy with lithium reduced the suicidality in patients with affective disorder. Clozapine and second generation antipsychotics have autoaggressive effects in schizophrenic patients.
In patients with personality disorders both, valproic acid and carbamazepine, reduced impulsive aggression. The benzodiazepines, serotoninergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors can in patients with impulsivity facilitate achievement of autoaggressive action.