CSF 5-HIAA, suicide intent and hopelessness in the prediction of early suicide in male high-risk suicide attempters

Authors: Samuelsson, M.; Jokinen, J.; Nordström, A.-L.; Nordström, P.

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 113, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 44-47(4)

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Abstract:

Samuelsson M, Jokinen J, Nordström A-L, Nordström P. CSF 5-HIAA, suicide intent and hopelessness in the prediction of early suicide in male high-risk suicide attempters. <br />Acta Psychiatr Scand 2005: 1–4. © 2005 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objective:

To study the predictive value of the Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the cerebrospinal fluid for future early suicide in a group of high-risk male suicide attempters. Method:

Fifteen consecutive male suicide attempters admitted to a psychiatric ward at the Karolinska Hospital, who were not receiving any treatment with antidepressants were diagnosed according to DSM-III, assessed with SIS and BHS and submitted to lumbar puncture. All patients were followed up for cause of death. Results:

Five early suicides (within 2 years) were identified. Mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-HIAA differed between suicides and survivors. Low CSF 5-HIAA was identified in those who committed early suicide. Neither the Suicide Intent Score nor the Hopelessness Score distinguished suicides from survivors. Conclusion:

In high suicide risk hospitalized male psychiatric patients CSF 5-HIAA may be a better predictor of early suicide after attempted suicide than SIS or BHS.

Keywords: suicide; suicide attempt; CSF 5-HIAA; serotonin; hopelessness; suicide intent

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00639.x

Publication date: 2006-01-01