Causal associations between digital device use and suicide risk: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• The rise of digital devices offers potential for early suicide risk identification.
• The causal link between digital device use and suicide risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between digital device use and suicide risk using genetic data.
• To explore genetic predispositions influencing both digital device engagement and suicide ideation.

Main Methods:

• Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from large genetic databases (UK Biobank, Neale Lab, FinnGen).
• Employed inverse variance weighting (IVW) and assessed heterogeneity and pleiotropy for result robustness.

Main Results:

• Phase 1: No significant effect of general digital device use duration on suicide risk.
• Phase 2: A significant positive association between suicide risk and mobile phone use duration was observed (IVW OR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01-1.06), but this did not persist after adjusting for mental health confounders.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with higher suicide risk may exhibit increased digital device addiction.
• Further research with more detailed GWAS data and advanced methodologies is necessary to validate these findings.