The plasma level of cortisol as a predictor of suicide.
There is an urgent need for additional diagnostic instruments to differentiate the high suicide risk patient from the low risk patient. The suicide-to-be tends to have a higher mean 8:30 A.M. plasma cortisol level than the suicidal risk with lower suicide potential. If a suicidal risk patient has a plasma cortisol level above 20 ug%, in the absence of other possible causes for such a high level, we recommend he be recognized as having a high potential for suicide, be provided with more protective precautions, more frequent contacts with his therapist and prolonged after-care.
Krieger
G
G
Psychiatry Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA.
D001830:Body Surface Area; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013405:Suicide
D006854:Hydrocortisone