Neuroendocrine aspects of suicidal behavior

R. Yehuda, S. M. Southwick, R. B. Ostroff, J. W. Mason, E. Giller

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

To assess biologic risk factors in suicidal behavior accurately, it is necessary to distinguish prospective from retrospective designs. The former studies are more likely to elicit information concerning possible risk factors in suicide, whereas the latter may be better indicators of biologic traits. In both types of investigations, measures taken close to the suicide attempt are more likely to reflect the biologic state of the individual at the time of the behavior. Although the abnormalities present in suicidal individuals are not entirely clear, most evidence to date suggests an overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a dysregulation of both serotonin and adrenergic metabolism. These systems are interrelated. Both animal and human studies have established that a multivariate biologic approach is necessary to the understanding of the pathophysiology of suicide.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-102
Number of pages20
JournalEndocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neuroendocrine aspects of suicidal behavior'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this