Citation

Marusic A, Swapp R. Arch. Suicide Res. 2004; 8(4): 297-301.

Affiliation

Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia. andrej.marusic@lu2-rs.si

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110490476626

PMID

16081397

Abstract

The presented commentary will tackle the genetics behind suicidal behavior. The phenotype is defined followed by a brief discussion of two employable genetic methods, namely, positional cloning and the more classical approach involving candidate genes. Furthermore, we will explain the polygenetic, multi-factorial model of suicidal genetics and address the interaction of genes and the environment. Further along we list possible ways in which suicidal behavior could have been selected for genetically in populations and identify those specific populations in which it may have appeared. Finally, we address future ethical implications in this quickly blossoming field of research.

Language: en