Blunted HPA axis activity prior to suicide attempt and increased inflammation in attempters.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation is associated with increased risk for suicidal behavior. However, it is not clear whether such dysregulation exists prior to or is a consequence of attempt. Studies also show an activation of inflammatory responses in suicidal behavior but often combine attempters with those with ideation.

Methods

The sample consisted of psychiatric inpatients, aged 15-30 years, admitted for suicide attempt (SA, n=38), inpatients admitted for suicidal ideation with no prior history of attempts (SI, n=40), and healthy controls (n=37). We compared SA, SI, and controls on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), which provides retrospective levels of cortisol and thus prior to the attempt in SA. We also compared them on the expressio

SUBMITTER: Melhem NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5336407 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature