title: Central serotonergic function in parasuicide.
abstract: 1. Central 5-HT is thought to be involved in neuronal inhibition and as such as a modulating influence in restraining the organism from responding to (e.g., especially adverse) stimuli. 2. Evidence for a role of central 5-HT in suicide arises from reduced concentrations of brain 5-HT or 5-HIAA in brain stem, reduced binding of [3-H]-IMI in brain tissue of frontal cortex/hypothalamus, and increased binding of radioligands to 5-HT-2 receptors in the frontal cortex. 3. Evidence for a role of central 5-HT in parasuicide arises from reduced concentrations of lumbar CSF 5-HIAA, reduced PRL responses to d,l-fenfluramine challenge, and increased CORT responses to 5-HTP challenge. 4. Since reduced central 5-HT activity appears to be consistently associated with impulsive aggression, it is possible that suicidal and parasuicidal acts in individuals with evidence of reduced central 5-HT activity are a manifestation of reduced impulse control. 5. Agents which enhance central 5-HT function and/or diminish the activity of neuronal systems involved in arousal (e.g. norepinephrine or dopamine) should be efficacious in reducing parasuicidal behavior.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Coccaro
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Astill
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001679:Biogenic Amines; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin