Citation

Samuelsson M, Jokinen J, Nordström AL, Nordström P. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2006; 113(1): 44-47.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Psychiatric Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00639.x

PMID

16390368

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of the Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid for future early suicide in a group of high-risk male suicide attempters. METHOD: Fifteen consecutive male suicide attempters admitted to a psychiatric ward at the Karolinska Hospital, who were not receiving any treatment with antidepressants were diagnosed according to DSM-III, assessed with SIS and BHS and submitted to lumbar puncture. All patients were followed up for cause of death. RESULTS: Five early suicides (within 2 years) were identified. Mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-HIAA differed between suicides and survivors. Low CSF 5-HIAA was identified in those who committed early suicide. Neither the Suicide Intent Score nor the Hopelessness Score distinguished suicides from survivors. CONCLUSION: In high suicide risk hospitalized male psychiatric patients CSF 5-HIAA may be a better predictor of early suicide after attempted suicide than SIS or BHS.

Language: en