Depression is increasingly becoming the focus of our society. With more education, those affected are less likely to be stigmatized and tend to seek professional help earlier. And yet, in Germany alone, more than 9,000 people commit suicide every year. More than half of those affected had previously suffered from severe depression.
Preventive measures should ensure that this number decreases sustainably. But: Depression is often not visible to outsiders. And those who are already in a severe depressive phase often cannot get out of it without support. Researchers from Austria therefore looked for other indications of suicidality – and found them. And in our hair.
The research team led by the psychologist Alexander Karabatsiakis from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck was able to prove that people with increased suicidality also have an increased proportion of the stress hormone cortisol. And that can be determined with a hair analysis.
There were already several studies in advance that had suggested depression and an increased risk of suicide with an increased cortisol level. But the research from Innsbruck is the first scientific work that can also prove this thesis with reliable data.
To do this, the scientists examined hair samples from 45 people who died by suicide. The result: the cortisol level was greatly increased compared to people without or with mild depression. According to Karabatsiakis, such biomarkers could represent real progress in suicide prevention.
“If, for example, general practitioners could measure that there is a hormonal stress potential in the body, a potential risk of suicide could also be identified in people who are mentally stressed,” said the psychologist when presenting the study.
In this case, medical care can then be expanded, even if the patient does not express any subjective complaints. However, before the method can really be used, further studies on the subject of suicidal tendencies and preventive measures are required. Nevertheless, the work of the Innsbruck researchers is a first glimmer of hope for a better understanding of the background to suicidal tendencies – and being able to intervene before it’s too late.
Do you have suicidal thoughts? The telephone counseling service offers help. She is anonymous, free and available 24 hours a day on (0800) 1110111 and (0800) 1110222. Advice via email is also possible. A list of nationwide help centers can be found on the website of the German Society for Suicide Prevention.
