Psychobiology of Suicide, Impulsivity, and Related Phenomena (IN: Psychopharmacology: the Third Generation of Progress, edited by H Y Melzer)

Biological factors were of little importance until 2 clusters of biological variables that tend to correlate with suicidal behavior emerged. This chapter reviews the evidence linking different types of disinhibition to serotonin-related & neuroendocrine variables & a psychobiological model for suicide. It summarizes controlled studies of biological measures in suicidal behavior & correlates of violence, & examines genetics, aggression, personality, & neuropsychology aspects. (185 Refs.)