The aim of the present study was to obtain comprehensive information on steroid metabolism in violent and nonviolent suicidal as well as in nonsuicidal depressed patients. METHODS:24-h urinary steroids were measured by gas chromatography in patients compared to controls. Psychobiological test (TCI)for evaluating personality and tests to measure depression and impulsivity (Beck, Barratt)were conducted. Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney test were used for statistical analysis.

Significant differences were found between the suicidal (particularly violent)vs depressive and between the depressive vs control groups (p<0.05) with regard to F/DHEA (F-cortisol/DHEA dehidroepiandosteron). The Barratt scale's results also correlated significantly with this ratio. aTHF and alfa-cortolon differed the groups too. No significant age and sex differences were detected among the groups concerning the steroid metabolites.

Our investigations confirmed that affective disturbances, particularly in violent suicidal cases associated with altered steroid metabolism. These differences may be the cause as well as the consequence of the depressive-impulsive disturbances. Our experiences contribute to the knowledge of the nature and steroid background of the psychiatric diseases