Citation

Alvarez JC, Cremniter D, Lesieur P, Gregoire A, Gilton A, Macquin-Mavier I, Jarreau C, Spreux-Varoquaux O. Biol. Psychiatry 1999; 45(8): 1066-1069.

Affiliation

Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ouest, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10386194

Abstract

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the possible connection between serum cholesterol levels and platelet serotonin (5-HT) content in violent suicide attempters and matched controls. METHODS: Blood samples for cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels were obtained from 17 drug-free patients within 3 days after the suicide attempt. RESULTS: Serum cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels in the suicide attempters were significantly lower than in the controls; however, we did not find any significant correlation between these two variables. Indeed, three clinical dimensions are present in this patient group: suicidality, violence, and impulsiveness. Because we did not find a difference in cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels between impulsive and nonimpulsive patients, these two indexes may more reflect the dimension of suicidality and/or violence. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is necessary to study the dependence of these two peripheral abnormalities within the context of violent suicidal behavior.

Language: en