Gonadal Axis Hormones in Psychiatric Male Patients After a Suicide Attempt

Plasma levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, & follicle stimulating hormone were estimated in 80 male subjects after a suicide attempt & in whom a psychiatric assessment was done during their hospitalization. Suicide intent was evaluated in 72 subjects. A group of 56 healthy males served as controls. As a group, attempters showed significantly lower testosterone levels, marginally higher luteinizing hormone, & normal follicle stimulating hormone compared to controls. The attempters who used violent methods had testerone levels even lower than the non-violent subgroup. Findings do not support the notion that suicidal & aggressive behaviours are manifestations of the same impulse. (25 refs.) JA