This study investigated the neural underpinnings of impaired value-based decision-making and impulsivity in suicidal behavior. Researchers examined ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) value signals, vmPFC-frontoparietal connectivity, and the impact of impulsivity during decision-making in depressed individuals with and without suicidal behavior. Reduced vmPFC value responses were found in suicide attempters compared to controls. Impulsivity negatively moderated vmPFC-frontoparietal connectivity in controls, but this effect was absent in suicide attempters, impacting their choice quality. These findings suggest disrupted vmPFC value signals and altered vmPFC-frontoparietal connectivity contribute to impaired decision-making in suicidal behavior.

Vanessa M. Brown, Jonathan Wilson, Michael N. Hallquist, Katalin Szanto, Alexandre Y. Dombrovski