CSF 5-HIAA and DST Non-Suppression – Independent Biomarkers in Suicide Attempters?

The interrelationship of suicide risk factors, low CSF 5-HIAA & DST non-suppression, were studied in 58 mood disorder patients with & without an index suicide attempt. In the sample as a whole, the serum cortisol level at 4:00 p.m. showed a significant positive correlation to CSF 5-HIAA. In patients with an index suicide attempt, the serum cortisol at 4:00 p.m. correlated positively with CSF 5-HIAA, but not in the non-attempters. The positive correlation means that low CSF 5-HIAA & DST non-suppression are relatively independent biomarkers of suicide risk in suicide attempters. (24 refs.)