Neurobiology of Suicide Looks like a Stress
Response
Stress hormones cortisol and CRF are elevated in blood
or CSF of suicide attempters of future suicides.
Fewer prefrontal CRF receptors in suicide victims suggest
excess CRF release.
Evidence in brain of suicides of more NE release (more
tyrosine hydroxylase and beta-adrenergic desentization ).
Abuse history in childhood associated with excessive adult
stress responses in terms of both cortisol and NE.
Fewer noradrenergic neurons in depressed suicides means
lower functional capacity and prone to NE depletion.
Low norepinephrine may favor more pessimism.