Neuroendocrine studies in suicide attempters and in hypersexual disorder
Abstract
Early life adversity is associated with increased risk of high psychiatric disease, suicidal behavior as well as risky sexual behavior in adulthood. Altered functioning of several neurobiological systems, like the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis associated with suicidal behavior, may stem from both genetic and developmental causes. Adversity in early life has developmental effects on these systems that persist into adulthood. Other neuroendocrine systems such as oxytocin regulating social behavior and DHEA-S with multiple biological actions might also be implicated in suicidal behavior. Hypersexual disorder includes features of impulsivity, addiction, sexual desire deregulation and some aspects of hypersexual behavior are also associated with more suicidality. Neurobiological alterations in patients with hypersexual disorder are for the moment largely unknown. The aim of this PhD project was to investigate neuroendocrine systems with focus on HPA axis, Oxytocin and DHEAS in suicide attempters and in patients with Hypersexual Disorder. Focus was on early life adversity and violent behavior in relation to neuroendocrine biomarkers. Studies I-III: The clinical cohort consists of 28 medication free suicide attempters and 19 healthy volunteers who participated in this cross sectional and longitudinal study. CSF and plasma basal levels of oxytocin, cortisol, DHEA-S and CSF 5-HIAA levels were assessed. Suicide intent, depressive symptoms,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 67 participants or records.
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