Citation

Tull MT, Baer MM, Spitzen TL, Lee AA, Vallender EJ, Garrett MR, Anestis MD, Gratz KL. Psychiatry Res. 2021; 302: 114011.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114011

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

There is a need to identify the subset of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms at greatest risk for transitioning from suicidal ideation to a suicide attempt. Contemporary models of suicide risk propose that the capability for suicide is necessary for moving from suicidal ideation to a suicide attempt. Few studies have examined dispositional capability factors for suicide, especially among individuals with BPD symptoms. One candidate may be the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) Val(158)Met polymorphism given its influence on pain sensitivity and fear. This study examined the interactive relation of BPD symptoms and the COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Fifty-nine treatment-seeking patients were recruited. Participants were administered a series of clinical interviews to evaluate BPD symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Saliva samples were collected for genotyping. The relation between BPD symptoms and suicidal ideation was not influenced by the Val(158)Met polymorphism. However, among Val/Val carriers, the probability of a lifetime suicide attempt increased as BPD symptom severity increased.

FINDINGS provide preliminary support for the Val/Val variant as a dispositional factor that may increase risk for suicide attempts in BPD; however, results must be interpreted with caution until replication of findings occurs in larger samples.

Language: en

Keywords

Risk factors; Borderline personality disorder; Genetics; Suicidal self-injurious behaviors; Suicide risk