CSF 5-HIAA and HVA Concentrations in Elderly Depressed Patients who Attempted Suicide

CSF findings distinguished 12 elderly depressed patients who had attempted suicide from 9 depressed patients who did not & from 7 normal control subjects. Psychosocial factors & measures of psychopathology did not differentiate suicidal from nonsuicidal patients. Biochemical factors may be important in evaluating suicide risk in the elderly. (10 refs.)