[Implication of genes of the serotonergic system on vulnerability to suicidal behavior]

There are many risk factors associated with vulnerability to suicidal behaviour, and the results of family studies, twin studies and adoption studies suggest that they include a genetic predisposition. Moreover, this gentic susceptibility may be specific and independent of the genetic susceptibility to psychiatric disorders associated with suicidal behaviour (e.g., bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, alcoholism). Several groups have carried out association studies using a "candidate gene strategy", with the goal of identifying the genes involved in susceptibility to suicidal behavior. There is compelling evidence from research in biological psychiatry that abnormalities in the functioning of the central serotonergic system are involved in the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior, and the results of association studies suggest that the gene coding for tryptophan hydroxylase, which is the serotonin synthesis enzyme, and the serotonin transporter gene are involved in susceptibility to suicidal behavior. Furthermore, these genes may influence the suicidal phenotype through different gene-gene interactions and gene-early environment interactions. Current studies aim to identify either the precise phenotypes associated with genes for vulnerability to suicidal behaviour or the intermediate phenotypes (e.g., impulsivity, anger dyscontrol) associated with these genes.