Post Mortem Studies of Suicide (IN: Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide. Volume 2: Risk Factors for Youth Suicide)

This paper reviews the post mortem biological findings associated with suicide. Critiques of studies that examine enzymatic findings, concentrations of biogenic amines & their metabolites, & findings from studies using receptor binding are included. An assessment of the impact of some variable e.g. age is also given. The author feels there may be a neurochemical component associated with suicide. A behavioral & biochemical profile to help identify those at high risk is now possible. (CM)