Neuroeconomics of suicide

TL;DR

This paper introduces a neuroeconomic framework linking neurobiological factors and decision-making parameters to suicidal behavior, aiming to deepen understanding of the neurobiological basis of suicide.

Contribution

It proposes a novel neuroeconomic model connecting neurobiological substrates with decision-making processes related to suicide risk.

Findings

Neuroeconomic parameters are predicted to relate to suicidal behavior.

Neurobiological substrates such as serotonin and dopamine are linked to decision-making in suicide.

Framework lays groundwork for molecular neuroeconomics of suicidal decision-making.

Abstract

Suicidal behavior is a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. Suicide has been associated with psychiatric illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as economic uncertainty, and social/cultural factors. This study proposes a neuroeconomic framework of suicide. Neuroeconomic parameters (e.g., risk-attitude, probability weighting, time discounting in intertemporal choice, and loss aversion) are predicted to be related to suicidal behavior. Neurobiological and neuroendocrinological substrates such as serotonin, dopamine, cortisol (HPA axis), nitric oxide, serum cholesterol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, gonadal hormones (e.g., estradiol and progesterone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in brain regions such as the orbitofrontal/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and limbic regions (e.g., the amygdala) may supposedly be related to the neuroeconomic parameters modulating the risk of suicide. The present framework puts foundations for "molecular neuroeconomics" of decision-making processes underlying suicidal behavior.