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Monoamines: Biochemical markers of suicide?
Author(s) -
Ricci Lorna Cameron,
Wellman Mary M.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(199001)46:1<106::aid-jclp2270460117>3.0.co;2-3
Subject(s) - monoamine neurotransmitter , dopamine , serotonin , norepinephrine , neurotransmitter , psychology , monoaminergic , suicidal ideation , depression (economics) , poison control , neuroscience , psychiatry , medicine , suicide prevention , central nervous system , medical emergency , receptor , economics , macroeconomics
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.