Understanding the suicidal mind: an ecological investigation of the differential activation hypothesis of suicidal relapse in first episode psychosis

Back, Donna Bella (2013). Understanding the suicidal mind: an ecological investigation of the differential activation hypothesis of suicidal relapse in first episode psychosis. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Back13PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (2MB)

Abstract

The incidence of completed and attempted suicide among those with first episode psychosis (FEP) is high. However, due to the lack of understanding about the suicidal thinking mechanism in psychosis, the development of effective treatment interventions continues to be a major gap for clinicians and patients. The Differential Activation Hypothesis (DAH) of suicidal relapse may serve as a potential framework for understanding suicidality in psychosis. This thesis sets out to investigate the suicidal thinking process in FEP, by comparing those with a history of suicidal attempt or deliberate self-harm vs. those without using the DAH of suicidal relapse as the main theoretical framework. Overall results of three separate studies support the validity of DAH of suicidal relapse as a framework for understanding the suicidal thinking mechanism in psychosis. More importantly, the consistent pattern of results shared between the ecological and experimental studies validates the application of the DAH in the real-life, day to day experiences of those at risk of suicidal relapse. Evidence suggesting applicability of the DAH in FEP will help establish the importance of the interaction between distal and proximal risk factors for suicidality, being of great clinical value in improving the existing risk assessment procedures.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):