Citation

Ricci LC, Wellman MM. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 1990; 46(1): 106-116.

Affiliation

Rhode Island College, Warwick.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1689324

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to give the clinician not proficient in biochemistry an understanding of the biochemical research data on neurotransmitters and suicide. This literature review reports the current findings on serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) as possible biochemical markers of depression and suicide. In conjunction with known environmental and behavioral indicators of suicide, neurotransmitter balance could be a factor in determining the severity of depression and the possible suicidal ideation in patients. Numerous studies have been performed on the monoamines: Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that innervate parts of the spinal cord and all areas of the brain. Studies appear to suggest a relationship among monoamine levels, depression, and suicide. Significantly low levels of serotonin and the neurotransmitter metabolite (5-HIAA) may be correlated with suicidal behavior.

Language: en