Cerebrospinal Fluid Monoamine Metabolites and Suicidal Behavior in Depressed Patients: a 5-Year Follow-up Study

A 5-year follow-up study of suicidal behavior among depressed patients who earlier had determinations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of monoamine metabolites. Reattempters, especially melancholic patients, had significantly lower CSF levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid & dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid. Thus reduced CSF levels may be related to further suicidal behavior among depressed patients who have previously attempted suicide. (CM)