Scientists identify 4 genes associated with increased risk of suicide

Study reveals 4 genes associated with increased individual suicide risk. However, genetics is not decisive and several factors are involved.

It should be noted that it is not possible to predict who is having suicidal thoughts or will try to commit this extreme act against life itself, based solely on an individual’s genetics. However, US researchers have identified four genes that have been linked to an increased risk for the problem. The research is still preliminary.

• Treating depression is the most effective way to prevent suicides, experts say
• 6 signs that may precede suicide

Published in scientific journal Jama psychiatry, The study of genes that increase the risk of suicidal behavior was developed by researchers at Duke University and VA Durham Health Care using a large sample of genetic data from US military personnel. DNA information from over 633,000 individuals was used.

Which genes increase the risk of suicide?

In US research, scientists found that the following four genes are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors:

• ESR1: most common gene in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression;
• DRD2: associated with people with a higher incidence of suicide attempts, schizophrenia, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and alcohol abuse.
• CC: it is related to several psychiatric conditions and is more common in people who die as a result of suicide;
• TRAF3: associated with antisocial behavior, illicit substance use, and ADHD.

“These genes don’t predestine anyone for trouble [ou pensamentos suicidas]but it’s important to understand that they can indicate increased risk, especially when combined [os genes recém-descobertos] with the history of life [do indivíduo]”says Nathan Kimbrel, associate professor at Duke and one of the authors of the study, in a release.

How is the analysis done for genes associated with the condition?

The scientists initiated the study from a genetic database with DNA information from 633,778 US military veterans, of whom 121,211 had suicidal thoughts or actions at some point in their lives. The majority of the group was made up of men (91%), indicating that the results should not be uncritically replicated for women.

Continuing with this research, the team of scientists want to understand whether the four genes common to most people with suicidal ideation can be seen as a genetic marker of the condition. If so, it is possible to think of preventive treatments aimed at individuals who inherit these genes. For now, this is not possible.

Source: jama And Duke Salute

Trending on Canaltech:

• HBO Max Releases for the Week (12/14/2022)
• Kinesthesia or synesthesia? understand the difference
• This is the Justice League’s secret weapon to stop Superman
• Netflix releases during the week (16/12/2022)
• Scientist imagines what dinosaurs would have been like if they hadn’t gone extinct
• Did Motorola finally wake up with the new Edge 30?

🇧🇷The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!

Source: Terra

Camila

Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.