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Suicidal behavior in twins: a replication.
1Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|September 5, 2001
Summary
This study confirms that identical twins (monozygotic, MZ) show higher concordance for suicidal behavior than fraternal twins (dizygotic, DZ). These findings suggest a significant genetic influence on suicidal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Genetics
- Twin Studies
Background:
- Previous research indicated higher concordance for suicidal behavior in monozygotic (MZ) twins compared to dizygotic (DZ) twins.
- Replication of these findings is crucial for understanding the genetic underpinnings of suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the finding of greater concordance for suicidal behavior in MZ co-twins compared to DZ co-twins.
- To further investigate the role of genetic factors in suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- A new series of 28 twin pairs was collected, where one twin had committed suicide.
- Concordance rates for suicidal behavior were compared between MZ and DZ twin pairs.
Main Results:
- Four out of 13 MZ twin pairs were concordant for suicidal behavior.
- Zero out of 15 DZ twin pairs were concordant for suicidal behavior.
- The difference in concordance rates between MZ and DZ twins was statistically significant (P=0.035).
Conclusions:
- The data replicate previous findings of higher concordance for suicidal behavior in MZ co-twins compared to DZ co-twins.
- These results support the hypothesis of a genetic influence on suicidal behavior.
- Further research into the genetic etiology of suicidal behavior is warranted.