Genetic factors influence risk of suicide throughout life rather than at a moment in time

Results

• Of 4344 children of European ancestry significant associations were found between children's SA PRSs and their lifetime SAs with the most robust association in the follow-up year 2
• These associations remained significant after accounting for children's sociodemographic backgrounds, psychopathology symptoms, parental histories of suicide and mental health, and PRSs for major depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Children's depressive mood and aggressive behavior were the most significant partial mediators of SA genetic risk on SAs
• Children's behavioral problems, such as attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and social problems, also partially mediated the association of SA PRSs with SAs

This study's findings indicate that there may be genetic factors associated with SA risk across the life span and suggest behaviors and conditions through which the risk could be mediated in childhood. Further research is warranted to examine whether incorporating genetic data could improve the identification of children at risk for suicide.

Reference:

Lee PH, Doyle AE, Silberstein M, et al. Associations Between Genetic Risk for Adult Suicide Attempt and Suicidal Behaviors in Young Children in the US. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online August 31, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2379