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Molecular genetics of affective disorders
Pierre Oswald1, Daniel Souery, Julien Mendlewicz
1Department of Psychiatry, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. poswald@ulb.ac.be
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to suicide risk in major psychiatric disorders, particularly affective disorders. Research explores genetic regions and pathways, including serotonergic, to understand suicidal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Familial transmission of suicide is evident in major psychiatric and affective disorders.
- Linkage and association studies have identified potential genetic regions and pathways involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic studies on affective disorders and suicidal behavior.
- To highlight the role of specific gene pathways in suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Review of family, linkage, and association studies.
- Focus on genes in serotonergic, monoaminergic, GABAergic, and substance P pathways.
- Examination of suicidal behavior as a subphenotype.
Main Results:
- Evidence for familial transmission of suicide in affective disorders.
- Association studies implicate genes in serotonergic pathways (e.g., tryptophan hydroxylase, serotonin transporter) with suicidal behavior, especially violent forms.
- Replication is needed for definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Genetics plays a role in affective disorders and suicidal behavior.
- Further research with improved methodologies is crucial for understanding the genetic underpinnings.
- Specific gene pathways warrant continued investigation.
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