Further evidence for low serum cholesterol and suicidal behaviour.
OBJECTIVE
To examine for a relationship between serum cholesterol and suicidal behavior.


METHODS
Patients admitted after an overdose (N=120) were compared with controls (N=120) for their serum cholesterol levels.


RESULTS
Patients who had overdosed had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than controls (mean+/-S.D. 171+/-31 vs. 196+/-30 mg/dl, P<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results add to a grouping literature reporting that low serum cholesterol is associated with suicidal behavior.
Sarchiapone
M
M
Institute of Psychiatry/Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
Roy
A
A
Camardese
G
G
De Risio
S
S
D000328:Adult; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D002784:Cholesterol