Violent Suicidal Behavior and the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone-Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test: A Clinical Outcome Study

A relation between abnormal response of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) & a personal history of violent suicidal behavior was observed in a sample of 60 depressive women. Patients with a blunted TSH response to TRH were also at greater risk for subequent suicide. There was no relationship between TSH response to TRH & age, severity of depression & polarity of the illness.