Investigating the interaction between sleep symptoms of arousal and acquired capability in predicting suicidality

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Hochard, K.D., Heym, N. ORCID: 0000-0003-2414-8854 and Townsend, E., 2017. Investigating the interaction between sleep symptoms of arousal and acquired capability in predicting suicidality. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 47 (3), pp. 370-381. ISSN 0363-0234

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12285

Abstract

Heightened arousal significantly interacts with acquired capability to predict suicidality. We explore this interaction with insomnia and nightmares independently of waking state arousal symptoms, and test predictions of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) and Escape Theory in relation to these sleep arousal symptoms. Findings from our e-survey (n= 540) supported the IPTS over models of Suicide as Escape. Sleep-specific measurements of arousal (insomnia and nightmares) showed no main effect, yet interacted with acquired capability to predict increased suicidality. The explained variance in suicidality by the interaction (1-2%) using sleep specific measures were comparable to variance explained by interactions previously reported in the literature using measurements composed of a mix of waking and sleep state arousal symptoms. Similarly, when entrapment (inability to escape) was included in models, main effects of sleep symptoms arousal were not detected yet interacted with entrapment to predict suicidality. We discuss findings in relation to treatment options suggesting that sleep specific interventions be considered for the long term management of at risk individuals.

Item Type:

Journal article

Alternative Title:

Sleep arousal and acquired capability [running head]

Publication Title:

Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

Creators:

Hochard, K.D., Heym, N. and Townsend, E.

Publisher:

Wiley

Date:

June 2017