Rage Dyscontrol and Suicide: An Extension of Nell's Ideas

Abstract

Nell recently described the rage dyscontrol syndrome, and the present paper explores whether this syndrome may have relevance for the description of suicidal individuals. Evidence was found from research that several of the characteristics of the rage dyscontrol syndrome (temporal lobe epilepsy, paroxysmal EEGs, learning disabilities, impulsiveness, assaultive behaviour, psychiatrically disturbed parents, and experience of physical abuse) have been found to characterize some suicidal people. Suggestions were made for research to explore the relevance of the rage dyscontrol syndrome for understanding suicidal behaviour.