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Toward a biosignature for suicide
Maria A Oquendo1, Gregory M Sullivan, Katherin Sudol
1From the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York; the Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York; the Centers for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid; and the Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Diaz Hospital and Autonomous University of Madrid.
Biomarkers for suicide risk are linked to stress response systems, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the serotonergic system. Further research may identify new treatment targets and biological predictors for suicide.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Suicide is a significant global health concern with complex biological factors.
- Understanding the biological underpinnings of suicide is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize research on biomarkers associated with suicide.
- To develop a model for the biological diathesis (predisposition) of suicide based on current literature.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of neurobiological systems implicated in suicide.
- Examination of studies focusing on biomarkers related to suicide risk.
Main Results:
- Dysregulation in stress response systems, notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a key diathesis for suicide.
- Neuroinflammation, glutamatergic function, and neuronal plasticity may be downstream effects of stress system dysregulation.
- The relationship between serotonergic abnormalities and stress response dysregulation in suicide remains an open question.
Conclusions:
- Altered stress responses and serotonergic system abnormalities are the most significant biomarkers for suicide.
- Parallel investigation of these systems in populations is needed to understand their interplay.
- This research may lead to novel treatment targets and biological predictors for suicide.