Perspectives on the neurobiology of youth suicide within an RDoC framework
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth are a transdiagnostic phenomenon. The RDoC therefore offers a promising framework in which to interrogate potential underlying neurocognitive risk factors and mechanisms. This chapter presents an overview of the current research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth from within an RDoC perspective, with a particular focus on the following domains: Cognitive Systems; Positive Valence Systems; and Negative Valence Systems. Overall, a relatively modest amount of research on youth has been conducted in these areas. However, there appears to be preliminary support for the possible role of cognitive inflexibility (Cognitive Systems; deficits in reward responsiveness, reward learning, and reward valuation (Positive Valence Systems) as well as neural sensitivity and immune activation in response to interpersonal loss, and threat (Negative Valence Systems). Research in this area has been characterized by several limitations, not least the reliance on cross-sectional designs, limiting determinations of temporality, and thus the ability to disambiguate concomitants from risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This chapter ends with recommendations for future research to clarify the neurocognitive mechanisms of risk for this clinically concerning phenomenon.
