Suicidal Intent and the HPA-Axis Characteristics of Suicide Attempters With Major Depressive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders

This study investigated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis characteristics in relation to suicidal intent among suicide attempters with major depressive disorder & adjustment disorders. The relationship between suicidal intent & serum cortisol after a dexamethasone suppresion test was investigated in 78 suicide attempters, divided into diagnostic subgroups. There was a significant negative correlation between suicidal intent & post dexamethasone suppression text oortisol in patients with major depressive disorder. Findings may be attributed to pathophysiological processes. (38 refs.)