The contribution of SPECT to the study of the pathogenesis of impulsive aggressive behaviour

Biological research has led to the hypothesis that a cerebral serotonin imbalance is associated with aggressive behaviour, whether directed towards oneself or towards others. In this study, a group of patients exhibiting impulsive aggressive behaviour in the form of suicidal behaviour, other self-harming behaviour or aggressive behaviour towards others is being investigated to identify associations between the observed behaviour on the one hand, and psychiatric factors, personality traits, neuropsychological factors and brain function on the other. Using SPECT, the study examines both perfusion and the degree of serotonin binding to its receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The influence of serotonergic medication is also investigated.

A study of the psychobiology of suicidal behaviour.

Recent research findings indicate that suicidal behaviour is associated with the presence of personality traits that are hypothetically determined by biochemical factors. This study aims to identify such personality traits (including temperament and character) and their relationship with biological measures (including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline metabolism). If an association between these traits and suicidal behaviour can be demonstrated, this could lead to a new approach to treatment aimed at preventing the recurrence of suicidal behaviour. Such new approaches are urgently needed, given that currently available strategies have proven to be ineffective.

Suicide among young people in Flanders.

A case-control study of psychiatric, psychosocial and personality-related risk factors using the psychological autopsy method.

Foreign research using the psychological autopsy method in young people indicates an association between suicide and the presence of depressive symptoms, whether or not in combination with other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and alcoholism.

This study focuses on all suicides occurring in Flanders among individuals aged between 15 and 19. Information regarding the circumstances of death is gathered through interviews with family members, acquaintances or friends, GPs and other former care providers, in order to understand the reasons and motives for the suicide. For each suicide case, two ‘controls’ are identified, with the psychological autopsy investigation being conducted in exactly the same way.

Youth Unemployment and Social Exclusion: Dimensions, Subjective Experiences and Institutional Responses in six EU countries (Yuseder).

The aim of the project is to conduct empirical research into the causes and underlying mechanisms of social exclusion among young unemployed people in six different Member States of the European Union (Belgium, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain and Sweden). To study the various facets of this problem, an interdisciplinary team was assembled comprising experts from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, public health and sociology.

In addition to the general framework, the Suicide Research Unit is paying particular attention to the link between unemployment and suicidal behaviour.

A study on the contribution of functional brain imaging of the central nervous system using SPECT to understanding brain function in people who have attempted suicide.

New technologies have recently been developed for the ‘in vivo’ study of brain function. Using SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), the functioning of neurochemical systems in the brain can be visualised by injecting a radioactively labelled radioligand. In collaboration with Prof. Dr R. Dierickx, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital

A controlled cross-sectional study of suicidal thoughts, impulses and behaviour among homosexual adolescents.

Anecdotal reports indicate a substantially increased risk of suicidal behaviour among homosexual adolescents. The aim of this study is to investigate suicidal thoughts, impulses and behaviour among homosexual adolescents by comparing them with heterosexual adolescents. This study is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Ghent University (Prof. Dr J. Vincke).

Flemish normative data on personality based on the Temperament and Character Inventory.

This study collects normative data for the Flemish population for the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The TCI is a self-report questionnaire based on Cloninger’s psychobiological model, which measures both normal and abnormal behavioural patterns. The TCI consists of four temperament scales and three character scales.

Five-year follow-up study of people who have attempted suicide

The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for the recurrence of suicidal behaviour by examining the characteristics over a five-year follow-up period. A group of 500 people who have attempted suicide will be contacted five years after their attempt to record the frequency and characteristics of recurrent suicidal behaviour. The study will also examine the effect of psychiatric and psychological interventions on the prevention of recurrent suicidal behaviour.