Citation

Roska S, Marusic A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2004; 16(1-2): 3-6.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide can not be considered as a one-factor consequence only but rather as an interplay of multifactor influences, amongst others genetic, environmental, and most of all, influences of the interplay of the two - the most difficult ones to tackle. The aim of this editorial is to depict these factors and in particular to illuminate the psychological component of this interplay. Genetically determined variation in neurotransmitter systems most probably interacts with environment during different development stages of suicidal behaviour, from depressive to suicidal thoughts and plans, to actual attempts and final suicidal acts. Polymorphisms in some relevant genes could contribute to alterations in protein function that are part of the neurochemical underpinnings of psychopathologies that are related to suicide risk, such as affective disorders. Where does psychology as the most subtle interplay of genes and environment happen? Approximately 6 feet above the ground - in the brain. Functional neuroimaging studies have enabled the insight into in vivo functioning of the brain and better understanding of processes in suicidal behaviour. It has been shown that the same neurotransmission pathways (mediated by the genes) in the frontal lobe which are involved in suicidal behaviour are to some extent also involved in cognitive functioning (psychology) in a given environment.