Study Points to Genetic Link to Suicidal Behavior

A combination of a meta-analysis and original research has led scientists to conclude that there is likely a specific gene linked to suicidal behavior, a finding that raises hopes that clinicians may one day be able to target the gene in suicide prevention efforts.

In the past, studies have implicated the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in the development of the nervous system, in suicidal behavior.

The review, which was published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, included data from 3,352 people, 1,202 of whom had a history of suicidal behavior. The study was conducted by researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada.

They pooled results from 11 previous studies and added their own study data involving people with schizophrenia. Kennedy and his colleagues noted that about 90% of people who have died by suicide have at least one mental health disorder. In the studies they reviewed, participants had schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, or general mood disorders. In each case, the researchers compared the genotypes of people who had attempted or completed suicide with those who were non-suicidal.

Their analysis of the data confirmed that among people with a psychiatric diagnosis, those with the methionine (“met”) variation of the BDNF gene had a higher risk of suicidal behavior compared to those with the valine variation.

“Our findings may lead to the testing and development of treatments that target this gene in order to help prevent suicide,” James Kennedy, MD, director of CAMH’s neuroscience research department, said in a statement. “In the future, if other researchers can replicate and extend our findings, then genetic testing may be possible to help identify people at increased risk for suicide.”

Since low-functioning BDNF met variation is a risk factor for suicidal behavior, the findings mean it may also be possible to develop a compound to increase BDNF functioning, Kennedy said.

“Our findings provide a small piece of the puzzle on what causes suicidal behavior,” Kennedy added. “When assessing a person’s suicide risk, it’s also important to consider environmental risk factors, such as early childhood or recent trauma, the use of addictive drugs or medications, and other factors.”

SourceCAMH Study Confirms Genetic Link to Suicidal Behaviour [Centre for Addiction and Mental Health]