Serotonine and suicide: a preliminary study concerning a sample of violent suicidal patients

1. A sample of patients having attempted to commit suicide by using violent methods (hanging, jumping) was investigated according to the following procedure: for each patient, some evaluative tests (the MADRS, the SCL 90 and an agressivity scale) were administered and DSM III diagnosis was provided as well as the therapeutical orientation. 2. The 5 HIAA' level was measured in the CSF soon after the suicide attempt except for patients with rachis fracture or exposed to a cerebral oedeme. 3. Results were compared to those of a control group composed with patients having operated with rachi-anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. 4. The preliminary results show that 5 HIAA' levels were lower for suicide patients except for one schizophrenic patient. 5. This study suggests the possible link between a low 5 HIAA' level in CSF and the clinical aspects of severe suicidal behaviour.