The genetics of neurosystems in mental ill-health and suicidality: beyond serotonin.
Suicidal behavior is a major health problem worldwide. The risk of suicide-related behavior is supposed to be determined by a complex interplay of sociocultural factors, psychiatric history, personality traits, and genetic vulnerability. Family and twin studies point towards a partial heritability of suicidal behavior. First molecular genetic studies concentrated on genes of the serotonergic system based on the biochemical evidence that serotonergic neurotransmission is implicated in this behavior. Furthermore, genes of e.g. the dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems have also been the subject of investigations in this context. The aim of this article is to review molecular genetic studies in suicidal behavior beyond the serotonergic system and to emphasize findings on new genes.
Rujescu
D
D
Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 München, Germany. Dan.Rujescu@med.uni-muenchen.de
Giegling
I
I
D000374:Aggression; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000235:genetics*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000235:genetics*; D010551:Personality; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000235:genetics; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents