Jessica W. M. Wong(1) and Ulrich Preuss(2)
(1) AWO Psychiatry Center, Halle, Germany; (2) Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
Suicidal Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Dependence. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2010, 540 pages.

Alcohol dependence, impulsivity and suicide are interrelated in a complex network. In this chapter, we first defined alcohol dependence and impulsivity, then we discussed the possible ways these two relate to each other. Suicide and suicidal behavior in alcohol dependent patients and in impulsive patients are discussed. The social, neurobiological and genetic backgrounds involved are presented. The role of neurotransmitters in alcohol dependence and impulsivity, including the relatively new roles cannabis and corticotrophin-releasing hormones may play, are discussed. Whether alcohol dependence leads to impulsivity or vice versa remains unclear, but they are obviously bad risk factors for the other and also a major risk factor for suicide and suicidal behaviour in alcohol dependent individuals. Lastly, a brief discussion on the therapeutic options available for suicidal behaviour and impulsivity in the context of alcohol dependence is presented.