Relationship Between Alpha2-Adrenergic Function and Suicidal Behavior in Depressed Patients

This article reports on an assessment of growth hormone response to clonidine, a selective A2-adrenergic agonist, in 15 DSM-III-R major depressive inpatients with a history of suicide attempts, compared with 15 matched major depressive inpatients without a history of suicidal behavior. Hormone peak responses were significantly lower in attempters than controls. Study results suggest a blunted growth hormone response to clonidine could be a biological correlate of suicidal behavior. (43 Refs.)