Low Blood Cholesterol and low Platelet Serotonin Levels in Violent Suicide Attempters

This study investigated the possible connection between serum cholesterol levels & platelet serotonin (5-HT) content in violent suicide attempters & matched controls. Blood samples for cholesterol & platelet 5-HT levels were obtained from 17 drug-free patients within 3 days of the suicide attempt. Serum cholesterol & platelet 5-HT levels in the suicide attempters were significantly lower than in the controls; however, no significant correlation was found between these 2 variables. Futher investigation is necessary to study the dependence of these two peripheral abnormalities within the context of violent suicidal behaviour. (30 refs.)