Year: 1974 Source: Diseases of the Nervous System, v.35, no.5, (May 1974), p.237-240 SIEC No: 19842702

The author investigates the use of plasma cortisol levels as a diagnostic indicator in the identification of patients who may be high suicidal risks. Results of a study of hospital patients indicated that 13 of those who later committed suicide tended to have higher mean plasma cortisol levels (above 20 uq%) than the 39 low risk suicides who were living 2 yrs. later. Implications for preventative measures are discussed.(NBB)