ABSTRACT
Kinase B ...........................................................................................225 11.3.5 Adrenergic Receptor A2A ................................................................226 11.3.6 Other Genes ......................................................................................226 11.3.7 Genome-Wide Studies of Suicide ..................................................... 227
11.4 Methodological and Phenotypic Considerations .......................................... 229 11.4.1 Gene-Gene Interactions ................................................................... 229 11.4.2 Gene-Environment Interactions ....................................................... 229
11.4.2.1 Effects of Medication or Substance Use ............................230 11.4.2.2 Epigenetic Mechanism ....................................................... 231
Approximately 1 million people worldwide die by suicide each year. With a prevalence rate of 0.0145% and suicide accounting for 1.5% of death by all causes, it is the 10th leading cause of mortality worldwide (Hawton and van Heeringen 2009). Suicide is complex, multifactorial behavioral phenotype. Suicide is also familial: a family history of suicide increases risk of suicide attempts and completed suicide. In this chapter, we will examine the family, twin, and adoption studies that establish the existence of both genetic and environmental bases of suicidal behavior. We will then review the major candidate gene ”ndings. Lastly, we will discuss recent developments in genetic studies of suicide and comment on future experiments that may help resolve the challenges that are hindering genetic research into the pathophysiology of suicide.
