The relationship between lifetime suicide attempts, serum lipid levels, and metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorders

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the relationship between lifetime suicide attempts (SAs), serum lipid values, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with bipolar disorders (BPD). Methods. Eighty patients with BPD took part in the study (M = 40.60 years). After psychiatric diagnosis, demographic data, SAs, and serum lipids were measured and MetS was calculated. Results. 70% reported at least one suicide attempt. 52.5% suffered from MetS. Suicide attempters had higher cholesterol values. SAs were associated with a family history of suicide, current mood state, and lower educational level. SAs were unrelated to MetS. Conclusions. In patients with BPD, against expectations, the occurrence of SAs was associated with higher cholesterol values. Serum lipid values are not suitable as a biological trait marker to predict SAs.

Key words::

• Lifetime suicide attempts
• bipolar disorder
• metabolic syndrome
• serum lipid profiles

Acknowledgement

We thank Nick Emler (University of Surrey, UK) for proofreading the manuscript.

Statement of interest

None of the authors reports conflicts of interest.