Biological Factors in Suicide (IN: Suicide, ed. by A Roy)

This chapter reviews the evidence of biological involvement in some cases of suicide, most of which emanates from research on the psychobiology of depression. This reseach is reviewed, & suicide is discussed in conjuction with serotonin, other monoamines, & neuroendocrinology. Inter-relations between monoamines & endocrine variables are reviewed briefly. Some conclusions are put forward & implications for suicide prevention are given. 152 Refs. (LH)