Study Description and Background

Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at increased risk for suicidal behavior.

Existing research also suggests an association between suicidality and executive dysfunction. To date a clearly defined study has not been conducted to explore the relationship between executive dysfunction as a multi-dimensional construct (i.e., decision making, impulsivity, concept formation, and aggression) and suicidal behavior in those with a history of moderate to severe TBI.

Increased understanding regarding this at-risk population is necessary to facilitate the creation of appropriate assessment strategies and interventions.

This study will assess decision making in the context of an interaction between suicide and TBI. Findings will also allow for exploratory analyses aimed at identifying associations between performance on other measures of executive functioning and psychological distress.

Toward this end, the present study seeks to compare test performance among four well-defined groups of Veterans:

1. Moderate/Severe TBI and history of suicidal behavior
2. Moderate/Severe TBI and no history of suicidal behavior
3. No TBI and a history of suicidal behavior
4. No TBI and no history of suicidal behavior

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