Neurotransmitters and Suicidal Behavior: the Evidence From Cerebrospinal Fluid Studies (IN: The Neurobiology of Suicide: From the Bench to the Clinic, edited by D M Stoff & J J Mann)

This article, while acknowledging the literature that links low serotonin & 5-HIAA levels with depression, questions the fact that many of the subjects in these studies were taking anti-depressive medication which may have resulted in the low serotonin levels. Relationships between 5-HIAA & human aggression, suicide attempts and criminal violence are discussed. Various other hormones & peptides and their effect on suicidal behavior are detailed. (119 refs.)