Total serum cholesterol in relation to psychological correlates in parasuicide

Background Low cholesterol may act as a peripheral marker for parasuicide. Aims To examine the relationship between total serum cholesterol and psycho logical parameters in parasuicide. Method Total serum cholesterol and self-rated scores for impulsivity depres sion and suicidal intent were measured in 100 consecutive patients followin g parasuicide, pair-matched with normal and psychiatric control groups. Results Backward, stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed a signific antly lower mean cholesterol in the parasuicide population (P < 0.01). Acro ss all groups there was an independent significant (P < 0.01) negative corr elation between cholesterol and self-reported scores of impulsivity. No cor relation existed between cholesterol and scores for depression or suicidal intent. Conclusions The data confirm previous reports of low cholesterol in parasui cide. This is the first reported investigation of the construct of impulsiv ity in relation to cholesterol. We hypothesise that the reported increased mortality in populations with low cholesterol may derive from increased sui cide and accident rates consequent on increased tendencies to impulsivity i n these populations.