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Is suicide risk correlated to thyroid weight?
Philippe Charlier1, Laurence Watier, Mélissa Ménétrier
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital R. Poincaré (AP-HP, UVSQ), 92380 Garches, France. ph_charlier@yahoo.fr
Medical Hypotheses
|May 26, 2012
Summary
Thyroid weight may correlate with suicide risk, particularly in older adults. This study found a decreased thyroid gland weight in individuals over 60 who died by suicide.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Endocrine hormone disturbances are linked to depression and psychosis.
- The relationship between suicide risk and thyroid gland weight requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between thyroid gland weight and completed suicide.
- To investigate potential anatomical correlates of suicide, especially in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 576 autopsies (1994-2010) in Paris.
- Included 299 completed suicide cases and control subjects.
- Multiple regression analysis adjusted for sex and BMI.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in thyroid weight (approx. 3g) was observed in suicide subjects aged 60 and over (p=0.03).
- No significant difference was found in younger age groups.
- This suggests a potential anatomical correlate in elderly suicide victims.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid weight may serve as an anatomical correlate for suicide in older individuals.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis dysfunction is a potential factor in major depression.
- Further research on diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings.
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