Neuroendocrine Differences between Violent and Non-Violent Parasiticides

Abstract

13 patients who had used violent means of parasuicide, e.g. jumping from a height and hanging were compared with 19 wrist-slashers. The former had significantly higher 24-hour urinary cortisol levels and significantly lower 24-hour norepinephrine to epinephrine ratio. It would seem that in conjunction with the other established neuroendocrine markers, the above-mentioned tests can be of assistance in determination of suicidal intent.