Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Suicidal Behavior

A major worldwide social health issue is suicide and suicidal behavior. Recently, research has been undertaken in order to support the theory that there is a definitive link between certain genetic factors and the prevalence of suicide. It is estimated be the World Health Organization (WHO), that suicide is responsible for approximately 2% of annual worldwide deaths. Unfortunately, the etiology of this has proven to be exceptionally complex, but the studies carried out have pointed towards genetic factors as a possible leading cause. Suicidal Attempters (SA) and suicidal behavior is considered complex due to the interaction between various environmental as well as genetic factors. These factors being: alcohol and substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, stress, among other features.