Suicidality, circadian activity rhythms and platelet serotonergic measures in patients with recurrent suicidal behaviour

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1996 Jan;93(1):27-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1996.tb10615.x.

Abstract

The circadian activity rhythm was assessed over a one-week period using a wrist-worn activity monitor in 59 patients with a history of recurrent suicide attempts. In 40 of these patients a second recording was made 6 months later. Platelet serotonin (5-HT) and monoamine oxidase-B activity (MAO) were measured. Suicidal ideation, borderline personality disorder and impulsiveness were associated with the absence of a clear 24-hour periodicity in motor activity. Depressive mood and hopelessness were associated with a less regular bed-in time and a lower daytime activity. Platelet 5-HT as well as MAO correlated negatively with the amplitude of the circadian activity rhythm. Our results support the suggested link between suicidality, altered circadian activity and serotonergic function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Platelets / enzymology*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / physiopathology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Impulsive Behavior / physiopathology
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Male
  • Monoamine Oxidase / blood*
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
  • Serotonin / blood*
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide, Attempted / prevention & control
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin
  • Monoamine Oxidase