Vol. 4, No. 3, 1998 Page 7

RESEARCH IN BRIEF:
SEROTONIN/SUICIDE LINK

A new Swedish study reveals a "remarkably consistent association" between suicide and low levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA.

Noting that research has linked low serotonin levels and aggression, M. Asberg says that "aggression dyscontrol may partly explain the association between suicide and serotonin." Given the serotonin/suicide connection, Asberg says, measurements of cerebrospinal fluid 5-HIAA levels "may be helpful in the clinical assessment of suicide risk."

"Neurotransmitters and suicidal behavior. The evidence from cerebrospinal fluid studies," M. Asberg, Annals of the NY Acad. of Sciences, Vol. 836, Dec. 29, 1997, pp. 158-181. Address: M. Asberg, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

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