Citation

Dent RR, Ghadirian AM, Kusalic M, Young SN. Neuropsychobiology 1986; 16(2-3): 64-67.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Karger Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2438587

Abstract

There are indications to suggest a relationship between low levels of 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid and suicidal behavior. Many depressed patients show an elevated cortisol secretion. As beta-endorphin is derived from the same precursor as ACTH, it is expected that plasma beta-endorphin levels will also rise in depressed patients. We report here a case of severe depression with diurnal variation who showed low CSF 5HIAA prior to his suicide. In contrast, his catecholamine metabolites were 50% above the mean values of other depressed patients. Hormonal measurements, however, showed low cortisol, prolactin and beta-endorphin levels.

Language: en