The Neuroscience of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour

In this course, Dr. Chad Luke, licensed professional counsellor, researcher, and clinical supervisor, begins with the claim that suicide ideation and suicide attempts are neurobiologically different from one another, with ideation being a coping mechanism in brain networks, and attempts being a way of coping using other networks. Because different neural networks are involved, treatment must focus on appropriate ones. In trying to understand how thoughts move through the brain, scientists are increasingly drawn to theories which postulate networks, or even wave-like activity, as opposed to former theories asserting locality (individual brain parts). Self-directed violence, for example, is a network issue rather than a local one. Several models and theories for understanding suicide are offered, as well as an outline of what the various brain regions and structures contribute to healthy or maladaptive thoughts and behaviours. These various insights and discoveries mean that assessment for suicidality must start early and be conducted across multiple dimensions.