Suicidality and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Concentration Associated With a Tryptophan Hydroxylase Polymorphism

Using a polymerase chain reaction-based method, Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) genotype was determined in DNA samples from 56 impulsive & 14 nonimpulsive alcoholic, violent offenders & 20 volunteers. Results: in the behaviorally extreme impulsive group, a significant association was observed between TPH genotype & cerebrospinal fluid 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentration. The polymorphism was also associated with a history of suicide attempts in all violent offenders. (38 Refs.)