Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Psycho-biological mechanisms involved in suicidal risk, suicide attempts, and aggression: A replication and extension
Vahid Khosravani1, Seyed Mehdi Samimi Ardestani2, Michael Berk3
1Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Despite studies showing the individual roles of childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, impulsivity, and biological markers in suicide and aggression in bipolar disorder (BD), combined influence of these factors has not been studied yet.
Methods:
This study aimed to explore this issue in 353 individuals with BD completing self-report and clinician-rated measures. Blood samples were also taken to evaluate biological markers.
Results:
Higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and triglycerides (TG) and lower total cholesterol (TC) were observed in alexithymic people. Individuals with childhood maltreatment showed elevated CRP and lower TC and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Those with both alexithymia and maltreatment displayed the most adverse profile regarding CRP and lipids. Depressive and manic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and low TC and HDL-C were associated with suicide attempts, while age, depressive and manic symptoms, childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, impulsivity, CRP, and low HDL-C accounted for suicidal risk. Aggression was linked to gender, impulsivity, and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Limitations:
A cross-sectional design is a limitation of the study.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the relationships between psychological and altered biomarkers, particularly elevated CRP and decreased lipid levels, and their roles in contributing to suicide and aggression, proposing a psychobiological model in BD.
More Related Videos
06:55An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
05:52Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Bipolar Disorder
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...