Stress, Genes and the Biology of Suicidal Behavior

Overview

Journal Psychiatr Clin North Am

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2008 Apr 29

PMID 18439448

Citations 39

Authors

Dianne Currier

J John Mann

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Suicidal behavior is partly heritable. Studies seeking the responsible candidate genes have examined genes involved in neurotransmitter systems shown to have altered function in suicide and attempted suicide. These neurotransmitter systems include the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. With some exceptions, most notably the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (HTTLPR), replication of candidate gene association studies findings has been difficult. This article reviews current knowledge of specific gene effects and gene-environment interactions that influence risk for suicidal behavior. Effects of childhood stress on development and how it influences adult responses to current stress are shown to be relevant for mood disorders, aggressive/impulsive traits, and suicidal behavior.

Citing Articles

Sex differences in correlates of suicide attempts in Chinese Han first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder with comorbid subclinical hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study.

Tian X, Liu X, Bai F, Li M, Qiu Y, Jiao Q Brain Behav. 2024; 14(6):e3578.

PMID: 38844426 PMC: 11156525. DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3578.

Relationship of stress-reactive cortisol to suicidal intent of prior attempts in major depression.

Herzog S, Galfalvy H, Keilp J, Mann J, Sublette M, Burke A Psychiatry Res. 2023; 327:115315.

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Is It Correct to Consider Caustic Ingestion as a Nonviolent Method of Suicide? A Retrospective Analysis and Psychological Considerations.

Gravagnuolo R, Tambuzzi S, Gentile G, Boracchi M, Crippa F, Madeddu F Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023; 20(13).

PMID: 37444118 PMC: 10341094. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136270.

A Stress Protein-Based Suicide Prediction Score and Relationship to Reported Early-Life Adversity and Recent Life Stress.

Underwood M, Galfalvy H, Hsiung S, Liu Y, Simpson N, Bakalian M Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2023; 26(7):501-512.

PMID: 37243534 PMC: 10388383. DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad025.

DNA Methylation of Genes Involved in the HPA Axis in Presence of Suicide Behavior: A Systematic Review.

Dionisio-Garcia D, Genis-Mendoza A, Gonzalez-Castro T, Tovilla-Zarate C, Juarez-Rojop I, Lopez-Narvaez M Brain Sci. 2023; 13(4).

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