Moral Cognition in Patients with Suicidal Ideation: An Investigation Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-50652025000100203Keywords:
moral dilemmas, suicidal ideation, fMRI, depression, amygdalaAbstract
Introduction. Over the past decade, research has focused on the central nervous system and suicide, linking neurocognitive and behavioral alterations with depression and suicidal ideation. Moral cognition, emotions, and neuroanatomy are key areas of study. Materials and methods. Mixed methodology, with a sample of subjects aged 19 to 55 from the Dominican Republic (n = 56). Instruments included: a) 3 Tesla fMRI, b) Diffusion MRI technique, c) fMRI activation paradigm, d) fMRI resting state. At the neuropsychological level, to assess moral cognition, moral dilemmas were applied. Results. During the resting state, a correlation between amygdala functioning and suicidal ideation was observed. While the control group showed normal activity, depressed patients, especially those who were suicidal, exhibited significant hypoactivity. Discussion. fMRI revealed intense brain activity in areas such as the anterior cingulate gyrus and the insula during moral decision-making, indicating intense negative emotions. Conclusions. Amygdala hypoactivity was found, correlated with psychopathological traits. Depressed patients with suicidal ideation may face difficulties activating self-preservation mechanisms due to low amygdala connectivity and functioning. Results should be considered cautiously due to sample size and study methodology.
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