Is There a Suicide Gene?

Scientists may have discovered of a genetic link to suicide in patients with bipolar disorder. This article appeared in the Psychiatric News and was written by Joan Arehart-Treichel. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Foundation for Suicidal Prevention. The study implies that there is a gene that contributes to suicidal behavior which may be identified. Another study found in the region of the genome on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk that a person will attempt suicide.

Some of the genes that might fit into this category are the serotonin transporter gene, the tryptophan hydroxylase genes, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis genes. The latest gene that has been identified as an independent contributor to suicidal behavior is called the ACP1 gene and is located on chromosome 2 in the region known as 2p25. The study compared the genetic material of 1,200 patients with bipolar disorder with a history of suicidal attempts, to 1,500 patients with bipolar disorder without suicidal attempts. The results of the study found the ACP1 gene in those with the suicidal history; and this gene was not present in the DNA of the other group.

Findings of the study

After this finding the researchers went on to examine the brains of 14 individuals who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and died of suicide; and 20 brains of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder that had died from other causes. The expression of the ACP1 gene was significantly higher among the 14 individuals who had died of suicide.

Lithium & Suicidal Thoughts

Another contributing factor associated with this study is that the ACP1 gene influences a biological pathway that is regulated by lithium. Lithium’s ability to reduce suicidal behavior has been well established within the psychiatric community. It is supposed that this ACP1 gene may increase compulsive-aggressive behavior which might increase the risk of suicidal behavior. These conclusions have given enough evidence to pursue further studies on a genetic link to suicide. We know that if a family member has committed suicide a sibling will have a higher risk of suicide themselves. We can’t overlook environmental factors. But these new studies illuminate the causes of suicidal thoughts. Read more.