Neural pathways of the association between pain and suicide

Abstract

Physical pain and psychological pain are risk factors for suicidal behaviour, and understanding of the neural pathways linking pain and suicide may contribute to suicide prevention. Neuroimaging studies have shown changes in association with physical and psychological pain and with suicidal behaviour. Psychological stressors such as social exclusion may trigger emotional pain that is associated with functional changes in the prefontal cortex, cingulate cortex, thalamus, and parahippocampal gyrus. This functional network shows considerable overlap with brain areas involved in physical pain and suicidal behaviour. Changes in the brain motivation-valuation circuitry may predict pain persistence and thus contribute to the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.