These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Seratonin & Suicide
Question:I have just read a research article by J John Mann (Colombia) regarding the possible use of seratonin deficiencies as an indicator in suicide cases (other contributing factors understood). My question is how would one test for this (Blood test, etc?) And what is the acceptable validity for the use of medications as an aid in prevention? I have a friend (minor) who could possibly benefit from the proper medical (i.e.,pharmaceutical) treatment in conjuction with counciling, as opposed to (or perhaps in addition to) the normal depressent type medications.
Answer:There is a blood test for serotonin. Some Psychiatrists use it to indicate the appropriate type of drug to use. It is not clear exactly how this plays with”depression”-clearly the serotonin deficiency in the body effects many neurological processes.
