Mental health articles

Psychopharmacology for suicide: general considerations Medications and medication management may be helpful with certain diagnostic conditions and related symptoms associated with suicidality (Maris, Berman, & Silverman, 2000). In these cases, symptom reduction is necessary for cognitive, behavioral, or verbal modes of clinical intervention to succeed. One of the most exciting advances in understanding the genetic and biological bases for suicidal behavior is John Mann’s stress-diathesis model (Mann, 1998; Mann, Waternaux, Haas, & Malone, 1999). Based on neurobiological research about the role of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) in modulating brain function, this model proposes that a vulnerability to suicidality (diathesis) may exist independently of stressors (risk factors) that are correlated with suicidal behavior, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, and substance abuse disorders. Decreased brain serotonin function (as measured by CSF 5-HIAA [cerebrospinal fl uid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid]) has been found in suicidal patients, independent of psychiatric disorders. Hopelessness, low self-esteem, social isolation, and inadequate control of aggressive impulses may be core symptoms of such individuals (Ahrens & Linden, 1996). Of note, persons who exhibit aggressive and impulsive behavior toward others are also more prone to impulsive and aggressive behaviors toward themselves (Verkes & Cowen, 2000).

Tags: suicide