Related Experiment Videos
Plasma lipid levels and psychologic characteristics in men
D S Freedman1, T Byers, D H Barrett
1National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 15, 1995
Summary
Low total cholesterol levels may be linked to antisocial personality disorder. Further research is needed to confirm if cholesterol predicts this disorder and impacts cholesterol-lowering recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cardiovascular Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between low total cholesterol and increased violent deaths.
- Cholesterol's potential influence on behavior is an area of ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between psychological characteristics and serum lipid levels.
- To investigate potential associations between cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and specific psychiatric diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 3,490 US Army veterans (aged 31-45).
- Psychological assessments using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.
- Analysis of serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Main Results:
- Men with generalized anxiety disorder had higher mean total cholesterol (+5 mg/dl).
- Men with antisocial personality disorder had lower mean total cholesterol (-7 mg/dl, p < 0.01).
- No significant associations were found between cholesterol levels and major depression or hostility; lipid levels were not linked to other diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Total cholesterol levels show a significant inverse association with antisocial personality disorder.
- Elevated cholesterol may be linked to generalized anxiety disorder.
- Further longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the predictive value of total cholesterol for antisocial personality disorder and its implications for public health recommendations.