Low cholesterol level as a possible suicide risk factor

Introduction: High cholesterol levels are widely recognized as cardiovascular risk factors. However, lower or higher cholesterol levels can be in a solid relationship with several mental disorders, too. Objective: Our study aims to raise awareness about the fact that hypocholesterolemia is involved in various mood disorders and even suicidal behavior looks to be much more frequent. Method: Our current study implicates 200 psychiatric patients. These subjects had suicidal ideation upon hospital referral. In the first 24 hours, their total cholesterol levels were measured and the severity of self-harm intentions was evaluated with the Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation by Miller et al. Results: By the obtained evaluation score we differentiated 3 groups: 52 patients with low suicide risk, 49 with moderate risk and 99 with high suicide risk. In this last group, 83 patients had their serum total cholesterol level under 4,5 mmol/L (84%). By comparison, in the low-risk category only 3 patients (6%) and in the moderate-risk 13 patients (29%) were with such levels. Discussion: Clear conclusion cannot be drawn due to the reduced number of our patients, due to the absence of long-term consequent monitorization, and due to the heterogeneity of the studied population. Conclusion: Considering these data, a possible usefulness of total cholesterol levels in psychiatric patients may be suggested as a screening tool for the severity of suicidal ideation.