THE ESSENTIAL
- In France, nearly 9,000 people die of suicide each year, leaving more than 100,000 people bereaved, and more than 150,000 people attempt suicide.
- “Suicide is the cause of more than 700,000 deaths a year and is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29,” according to Professor Kimbrel.
- “The more we know, the better we can prevent these tragic deaths,” he said.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center conducted a large study of US Army veterans, using data from more than 630,000 veterans. The team was able to identify four genes that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and acting out. Their results have been published Wednesday, December 14 in the magazine JAMA Psychiatry.
Genetics: some have an increased risk of suicidal behavior
Although further work is needed to determine whether identifying these genetic markers might lead to targeted treatments, the researchers say their findings will provide insight into how inherited risk factors play a role in the development of thoughts. suicidal and risky behavior.
“It is important to note that these genes do not predestine anyone for problems, but it is also important to understand that there might be increased risks, especially when combined with life events”explains Nathan Kimbrel, co-author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, in a communiqué.
Within the group of veterans, medical records revealed 121,211 instances of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Those with no documented history of self-injurious behavior were classified as controls.
The genes identified were already associated with psychiatric disorders
Through genome-wide analysis of blood samples, the research team identified several apparent genes in participants with documented instances of suicidal thoughts or actions, regardless of ethnic background. Four genes, which have previously been linked to psychiatric disorders, had the strongest links.
One of them, named “ESR1”, an estrogen receptor, has already been identified as responsible for post-traumatic syndrome and depression, which are risk factors for suicidal behavior in veterans. Estrogen is also a suspected cause of gender differences in depression rates, and loss of ESR1 has been shown to produce adverse effects on brain tissue in men.
The second gene identified was “DRD2”, a dopamine receptor, which has previously been linked to suicide attempts, schizophrenia, mood disorders, ADHD, risky behaviors and alcoholism problems. The third, called “DCC”, has been associated with multiple psychiatric disorders. Studies have found high levels in the brains of people who die by suicide. The fourth gene linked to suicide, “TRAF3”, has been linked to antisocial behavior, substance abuse and ADHD.
Suicide: what treatment for people at risk?
The study authors believe that lithium – a “gold standard” treatment for bipolar disorder that has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide – modulates the expression of TRAF3 and several other inflammatory genes. In addition to these four genes, the research team also identified nine other risk genes. “While genes represent a small amount of risk compared to other factors, we need to better understand the biological pathways that underlie a person’s risk for suicidal behavior.“, emphasizes Professor Kimbrel.
