Seasonal Rhythm of Platelet 3HImipramine Binding in Adolescents who Attempted Suicide

This study was designed to determine the seasonality of serotonin functions among adolescents who attempt suicide. Platelet 3Himipramine binding was assessed over 18 months in 98 adolescent attempters & a comparison group of 23 never-suicidal youths with conduct disorder. 3Himipramne (Bmax) was uncorrelated with age, but showed considerable seasonal variability over time in those who had attempted suicide, reaching a nadir in late winter/early spring. (7 refs.)