Year: 2023 Source: Science Insights. (2023). 43(1), 995-1002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15354/si.23.re611 SIEC No: 20231803

Suicide is a complex and multifaceted public health issue that has been intensively studied to identify its contributing factors. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for affective regulation and mood control, has been linked to suicidal propensity. Understanding the relative contribution of serotonin’s genetic versus non-genetic influences is essential for the development of effective preventive measures, given that the etiology of suicide involves both genetic and non-genetic factors. This review seeks to compare the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on the association between serotonin and suicide risk. Examining serotonin-related gene polymorphisms, with a focus on the serotonin transporter gene, the serotonin receptor 1A, and the serotonin receptor 2A, genetic contributions are investigated. This review emphasizes the complex interplay between genetic and non-genetic contributions to serotonin’s role in
suicide by synthesizing existing literature. Understanding these complex interactions can provide a comprehensive framework for targeted interventions and individualized methods of suicide prevention and mental health promotion. Future research should incorporate large-scale genetic studies, genetic and non-genetic interaction analyses, and longitudinal designs in order to further elucidate the complex relationship between serotonin and suicide risk