Abstract
5-HIAA in the Cerebrospinal Fluid: a Biochemical Suicide Predictor?
Asberg M~~Traskman L~~Thoren P
The incidence of suicidal acts in 68 depressed patients in relation to the level of 5-HIAA in the cerebrospinal fluid was studied. 43 patients were classified as endogenous or reactive depressives according to clinical criteria, 25 patients were classified as endogenous or reactive according to the Diagnostic Inventory of Gurney. The distribution of 5-HIAA levels was bimodal. Patients in the low 5-HIAA mode attempted suicide significantly more often than those in the high mode & they used more violent means. (50 refs.)