Review of 28 research articles on the cerebrospinal fluid levels of neurotransmitter metabolites involving 1942 psychiatric patients found a strong evidence of involvement of serotonin system in suicidal behavior. All the individuals who attempted suicide, especially those using violent methods, had lower levels of CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) as compared to those in the controls. The Meta-analysis attempts to draw more reliable conclusion than did each individual study alone.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; Neurotransmitter metabolites; 5-HIAA.