Brain structure differences and impulsive behavior in bipolar patients with and without suicide attempts

BD patients with a history of suicide attempt scored higher in impulsivity measures than those without such a history.

• Impulsivity, as measured by the Barratt impulsiveness scale, was significantly higher in bipolar disorder patients with a history of suicide attempt compared to those without and healthy controls.
• Greater gray matter volume was associated with higher impulsivity scores in the left pars triangularis of BD patients with a history of suicide attempt.
• Increased cortical surface area in the left pars opercularis was linked to higher impulsivity scores in BD patients with a history of suicide attempt.
• BD patients with a history of suicide attempt exhibited a greater gray matter volume in the inferior frontal gyrus compared to those without a history of such attempts.
• The findings suggest a key role of the left inferior frontal gyrus in impulsivity and suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder.

Simplified