| Hormone shows risk of suicide |
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Low concentrations of the hormone oxytocin can be associated with serious suicide attempts. That according to new research at the Karolinska Institute.
Patients who attempted suicide have low levels of the hormone oxytocin
in the cerebrospinal fluid. The more serious and more well-planned
suicide attempt, the lower levels. The scientists at the Karolinska
Institute in Stockholm, a new study.
28 patients who had attempted suicide and 19 healthy individuals were included in the study. The relationship is clearer in men than in women.
Oxytoxin formed
naturally by the body during contact and breastfeeding. The hormone
makes us calmer and relieves pain. Previous animal studies have shown
that the substance also reduces stress and increases social interaction
between individuals.
They have also shown that people with
psychiatric problems can reduce their anxiety with the oxytocin spray in
the nose, a treatment that may also facilitate social contacts.
The
new findings make KI researchers see the hormone as a viable alternative
even for new treatments of suicide attempt patients.
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