No Evidence for an Association Between Serum Cholesterol and the Course of Depression and Suicidality

In this investigation, the course of serum cholesterol concentrations was measured in depressed patients during treatment. Degrees of depression & suicidality were measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Although there was a significant reduction in depression & suicidality scores, neither a significant changed in serum cholesterol levels nor a correlation between cholesterol levels & clinical improvement was found. The results do not support the hypothesis of an association between serum cholesterol & suicidality. (61 refs)