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Related Experiment Videos

CSF and plasma testosterone in attempted suicide.

Jon Stefansson1, Andreas Chatzittofis1, Peter Nordström1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Psychoneuroendocrinology
|August 28, 2016
PubMed
Summary

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Higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testosterone levels correlate with increased impulsivity and aggressiveness in male suicide attempters. This finding may link testosterone to suicide risk in young men.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Psychiatry
  • Forensic Psychology

Background:

  • Limited research exists on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testosterone levels in suicide attempters.
  • Aggressiveness and impulsivity are recognized behavioral traits in individuals who attempt suicide.
  • The dual-hormone hypothesis suggests a high testosterone/cortisol ratio, coupled with low serotonin, influences impulsive aggression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate CSF and plasma testosterone levels in suicide attempters compared to healthy volunteers.
  • To examine the relationship between the testosterone/cortisol ratio, aggressiveness, and impulsivity in suicide attempters.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 28 medication-free suicide attempters and 19 healthy volunteers.
  • Assessed CSF and plasma testosterone sulfate and cortisol levels using radio-immunoassays.
Keywords:
AggressionCortisolImpulsivitySuicide attemptTestosterone

Related Experiment Videos

  • Utilized the Karolinska Scales of Personality to measure impulsivity and aggressiveness.
  • Followed up participants for cause of death over a 21-year period.

    • Main Results:

    • Male suicide attempters exhibited significantly higher CSF and plasma testosterone levels than age-matched healthy males.
    • No significant differences in CSF testosterone levels were observed between female suicide attempters and healthy females.
    • In male suicide attempters, the CSF testosterone/cortisol ratio positively correlated with both impulsivity and aggressiveness.
    • Testosterone levels did not significantly differ between suicide victims and survivors.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated CSF testosterone levels may be associated with suicide attempts in young men.
    • This association appears linked to higher levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity, key endophenotypes in young male suicide attempters.