Electrodermal activity moderates the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation in a group of patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms

Abstract

Purpose: Being suicide a serious global issue, it's urgent to identify the involved factors and possibly precursors. In our study, it was hypothesized that autonomic hyperactivation might have a moderating role in the relationship between symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation in a group of patients suffering from Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder (MADD). Methods: Fifty-three outpatients diagnosed with MADD were consecutively recruited. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed through the Symptom Questionnaire whereas suicidal ideation was calculated through specific items extrapolated from the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). Additionally, Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and the evaluation of Skin Conductance, Level and Response (SCL-SCR), was detected through the recording of a Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP). Results: The analyses confirmed depression as the first predictor of suicidal thoughts. Nonetheless, EDA levels recorded at baseline and under induced stress exerted a moderating effect on the relationship between thymic deflection and thoughts of death. Conclusions: Even though activation is usually considered a positive factor for clinical prognosis, our findings highlight that autonomic arousal may represent a harmful resource for patients suffering from MADD. The involvement of the psychophysiological axis can accentuate mental suffering and favor suicidal ideation. The need to consider a multidimensional assessment strongly emerged.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hostility
• Skin conductance
• Suicidal ideation