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Association of low serum total cholesterol with major depression and suicide

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

T. Partonen ,
J. Haukka ,
J. Virtamo ,
P. R. Taylor  and
J. Lönnqvist
T. Partonen*
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
J. Haukka
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
J. Virtamo
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
P. R. Taylor
Affiliation:
Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MQ USA
J. Lönnqvist
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
*
Dr T. Partonen, National Public Health Institute, Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 9 47448213; Fax: +358 9 47448478; e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

It has been suggested that low serum total cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of suicide.

Aims

To study the association between serum total cholesterol, depression and suicide using versatile, prospective data.

Method

A total of 29 133 men aged 50–69 years were followed up for 5–8 years. Baseline blood samples were analysed for serum total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Self-reported depression was recorded, data on hospital treatments due to depressive disorders were derived from the National Hospital Discharge Register and deaths from suicide were identified from death certificates.

Results

Low serum total cholesterol was associated with low mood and subsequently a heightened risk of hospital treatment due to major depressive disorder and of death from suicide.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that low serum total cholesterol appears to be associated with low mood and thus to predict its serious consequences.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 259 - 262
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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