CSF Monoamine Metabolites and Lethality of Suicide Attempts in Depressed Patients With Alcohol Dependence

The relationship of CSF monoamine metabolites to lethality of suicidal acts in depressed subjects with comorbid alcoholism was studied. 16 high- & 16-low-lethality drug-free depressed suicide attempters with comorbid alcoholism were studied. CSF 5-HIAA levels were lower in high-lethality attempters compared to low-lethality attempters. There were no group differences in CSF homovanillic acid or 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels. Higher lethality of suicidal behaviour in depressed patients with alcoholism is concluded to be related to lower serotonergic activity. (31 refs.)