Biogenic Amine Turnover and Serum Cholesterol in Suicide Attempt

This study examined biological correlates of suicidal behavior. In a sample of 111 suicide attempters admitted to a Greek general hospital, the authors studied the turnover of neurotransmitters by measuring the urinary output of the main metabolites of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline & serum cholesterol, & compared them to 62 healthy controls. Urinary noradrenaline was significantly higher & serum cholesterol was significantly lower in attempters. The authors note that there is not significant evidence to indicate these biological changes occur before or after the attempt. (45 refs) (SC)