New Study Links Low Cholesterol to Suicide in Depressed Patients

Monday, September 29th 2003

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A new study has found evidence that depressed patients with low cholesterol may be at increased risk of suicide, psychiatrists heard on Tuesday.

Low levels of cholesterol in patients suffering from depression have previously been linked to suicide and violence, although the issue remains highly controversial.

The latest findings were presented at the 16th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology conference in Prague by researchers from the department of psychiatry at the College of Medicine in Ansan City, in the Republic of Korea.

The team compared cholesterol levels in 149 patients with major depression who were admitted to an emergency room after trying to committing or trying to commit suicide with those of 149 patients who also suffered from depression but who did not attempt suicide and those of 251 healthy controls.

"Significant differences in total serum cholesterol levels were observed between the suicide patients and non-suicide depressive patients when age, sex, body mass index and total serum proteins levels were controlled," Dr. Y. Kim said.

He said that cholesterol of 150 mg/dl or below was the cut-off point where it was possible to predict the risk of suicide with a high degree - 72% - of specificity. The cutoff point with the best possible sensitivity and specificity was 160 mg/dl.

Kim said further studies were needed but the results of this study "suggest that total cholesterol level can be used as a predictor for the risk of suicide and violent suicide attempt in depressive patients."

Source Reuters Health.

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following supplements are all useful for cardiovascular health. Use the links for more information.

Cholesterol Balance
Cholesterol Manager
Hi-Strength Coenzyme Q10
Heart Health Pack
Hi-Strength Liquid Fish Oil
Garlicin - Cardiovascular Health
Liver Detox
Milk Thistle
Lecithin 1,200

Related health information can be found here:

Cholesterol
Depression
Liver Problems
Stress

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

 

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