Genomics-driven screening for causal determinants of suicide attempt

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide attempts represent a major global public health crisis, with limited large-scale research on causal risk factors.
• Understanding the determinants of suicide attempt risk is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a data-driven screening of traits causally associated with suicide attempt risk.
• To identify novel risk factors using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.

Main Methods:

• Employed the latent causal variable (LCV) method to analyze GWAS data for suicide attempt.
• Performed a phenome-wide screening of 1520 traits for causal relationships with suicide attempt risk.
• Assessed genetic correlations to differentiate causal associations from shared etiologies.

Main Results:

• Identified 62 traits significantly increasing suicide attempt risk.
• Categorized risk factors into physical health disorders (e.g., cancer, fibromyalgia), mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety), and lifestyle factors (e.g., combat exposure, specific occupations).
• Highlighted substance use and pain-related conditions as significant contributors to suicide attempt risk.

Conclusions:

• Suicide attempt risk is influenced by a complex interplay of behavioral, physical, and psychiatric factors.
• Findings elucidate potential causal mechanisms, emphasizing the role of substance use and pain.
• Results provide a foundation for targeted public health interventions and future research.