Genetic, developmental and personality correlates of self-mutilation in depressed patients

To examine whether the T allele of G protein beta3 (GNbeta3) is associated with self-mutilation in depressed patients.

A history of self-mutilation was systematically inquired about when recruiting depressed patients for a long-term treatment trial. Risk factors such as borderline personality disorder and childhood abuse experiences were systematically assessed, and patients were genotyped for polymorphisms of GNbeta3.

The T allele of GNbeta3, borderline personality disorder and childhood sexual abuse were all significantly associated with self-mutilation in depressed patients. These associations were significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses, and as predicted were stronger in young depressed patients than in depressed patients of all ages.

If the association between the T allele of GNbeta3 and self-mutilation can be replicated, this may provide clues to understanding the neurobiology of self-mutilation.