Low blood cholesterol and low platelet serotonin levels in violent suicide attempters

Aim of the study: This study investigated the possible connection between serum cholesterol levels and platelet serotonin (5-HT) content in violent suicide attempters and matched controls. Methods: Blood samples for cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels were obtained from 17 drug-free patients within 3 days after the suicide attempt. Results: Serum cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels in the suicide attempters were significantly lower than in the controls; however, we did not find any significant correlation between these two variables. Indeed, three clinical dimensions are present in this patient group: suicidality, violence, and impulsiveness. Because we did not find a difference in cholesterol and platelet 5-HT levels between impulsive and nonimpulsive patients, these two indexes may more reflect the dimension of sucidality and/or violence. Conclusions: Further investigation is necessary to study the dependence of these two peripheral abnormalities within the context of violent suicidal behavior. (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.