Reduced Dopamine Turnover in the Basal Ganglia of Depressed Suicides

The concentration of dopamine in 5 brain regions of suicide victims was studied to determine if there is a relationship between dopamine concentration and suicide & depression. The study differentiated between victims treated with anti-depressive prior to their death and those without any treatment. Lower DOPAC (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) concentration were found in both antidepressant-free & antidepressant-treated suicides, although this was in different areas of the brain. (27 refs.)