 |
|
|
New data strengthen cholesterol/violence connection
Two new studies again link low cholesterol levels and violent behavior, a finding reported by several
research groups in recent years
(see related articles,
Crime Times, 1999, Vol. 5, No. 1, Page 7,
Crime Times, 1998, Vol. 4, No. 2, Page 3, and
Crime Times, 1996, Vol. 2, No. 4, Page 1
).
In one study, Beatrice Golomb et al. compared the one-time cholesterol measurements of nearly
80,000 subjects participating in a Swedish health screening project with later arrest records for violent
crimes. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found that "violent criminals had significantly
lower cholesterol than others identical in age, sex, alcohol [use] and education."
In related research, Marc Hillbrand et al. measured the serum cholesterol of 25 violent psychiatric
patients, and asked them to report on their affective and cognitive states over a seven-day period. The
researchers report, "Total serum cholesterol concentration was positively associated with measures of
affect, cognitive efficiency, activation, and sociability, suggesting a link between low total serum
cholesterol and dysphoria [negative mood]"-which, in turn, is a predisposing factor for violence in this
population.
Researchers theorize that low cholesterol levels may lead to reduced activity of the neurotransmitter
serotonin. Reduced serotonin activity, in turn, is strongly associated with depression and violent
behavior.
*****
"Low cholesterol and violent crime," B. A. Golomb, H. Stattin, and S. Mednick, Journal of Psychiatric
Research, Vol. 34, July 2000, pp. 301-309. Address: Beatrice Golumb, Department of
Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 92093-0995.
** and **
"Serum cholesterol concentrations and mood states in violent psychiatric patients: an experience
sampling study," M. Hillbrand, B. M. Waite, D. S. Miller, R. T. Spitz, and V. M. Lingswiler, Journal of
Behavioral Medicine, Vol. 23, No. 6, December 2000, pp. 519-529. Address: Marc
Hillbrand, Connecticut Valley Hospital, Whiting Forensic Division, P.O. Box 70, Middletown, CT 06457.
|
|
