Study Description and Background

Research indicates that 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 (e.g., 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

Hypotheses, Study Aims, and Short-term Goals

Examine the effect of suicidality on decision making within the context of history of moderate/severe TBI or no history of TBI.

Examine the effect of suicidality on impulsivity, aggression, and concept formation within the context of TBI history.

Exploratory Aims:

1. Model scores for each of the four groups to assess patterns of decision making
2. Assess the relationship between performance on measures of executive functioning and psychological distress.

Progress Report

We are currently recruiting and enrolling participants.

Long-term Goals:
Putting Research into Practice

Findings from this research protocol may provide clinically relevant information aimed at identification of Veterans with TBI who are at risk for suicidal behavior, and create foundation on which to base further research regarding the relationship between cognition, emotional distress, and suicidality in TBI survivors.

Highlighting potential vulnerabilities would also allow for the design of evaluation tools and interventions aimed at addressing the needs of both Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians and Veterans with a history of TBI.

Research Contact

Brooke Dorsey Holliman, MA

CONTACT PHONE: 303.399.8020 x 5638

CONTACT EMAIL: Brooke.DorseyHolliman@va.gov

Research Team

Principal Investigator:

Lisa Brenner, PhD, ABPP

Co–Investigators:

Beeta Homaifar, PhD

Nazanin Bahraini, PhD

Joe Huggins, MSW, MSCIS

Jeri Forster, PhD

Herbert Nagamoto, MD

Research Coordinator:

Brooke Dorsey Holliman, MA