The plasma level of cortisol as a predictor of suicide

There is an urgent need for additional diagnostic instruments to differentiate the high suicide risk patient from the low risk patient. The suicide-to-be tends to have a higher mean 8:30 A.M. plasma cortisol level than the suicidal risk with lower suicide potential. If a suicidal risk patient has a plasma cortisol level above 20 ug%, in the absence of other possible causes for such a high level, we recommend he be recognized as having a high potential for suicide, be provided with more protective precautions, more frequent contacts with his therapist and prolonged after-care.