Greater cognitive ability, specifically verbal learning, along with self-reflectiveness, may confer elevated risk for more severe suicidal ideation and behavior in an independent fashion in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, a recent study found. In a cross-sectional study, 162 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed cognitive testing via the MATRICS battery, symptom, and cognitive insight assessments, along with the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Researchers then contrasted participants based on history of suicidality by cognitive domains and insight measures. They found:

• Although a history of any passive ideation was not associated with cognitive ability or insight, verbal learning was positively associated with a greater history of suicidal attempt and prior ideation with a plan and intent.
• Higher cognitive insight, and the self-reflectiveness subscale insight, was also associated with history of passive or active suicidal ideation.
• Cognitive insight and cognitive ability were independent from each other, and there were no moderating influences of insight on the effect of cognitive ability on suicide-related history.