Citation

Zalsman G. Eur. Psychiatry 2010; 25(5): 284-286.

Affiliation

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Geha Mental Health Center, PO Box 102, 49100 Petach Tiqwa, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Devision, Psychitry Department, Columbia University, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.01.007

PMID

20444577

Abstract

Suicidal behavior runs in families and is prevalent in adolescence. Case-control and family-based studies in this age group failed to find a genetic association that survived replications. Gene environment approach gave new hope for possible associations especially with the short allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR). However, a recent meta-analysis raised doubts about the consistency of these findings. Some new structural and functional imaging data may shade light on the age-related and gender-related development of the brain. This review suggests a new approach to gene by environment and timing interaction to understand the interplay that leads to suicidality in adolescents and young adults.

Language: en