Relationship between impulsivity and platelet serotonin content in adolescents

The relationship between impulsivity and serotonin function was explored in impulsive and non-depressed adolescents. Platelet serotonin content was ch osen as a peripheral indicator of central serotonin function. Impulsivity w as assessed with a questionnaire. All measures were performed once a week o ver a 6-week period for all subjects. Subjects comprised eight adolescent i npatients who were hospitalized as a result of their impulsive acts and eig ht healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. Mean platelet serotonin c oncentration was significantly higher in the impulsive group than in the co ntrol group. Platelet serotonin concentration was positively correlated wit h the intensity of impulsivity in the patient group. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.