Genetics and Suicidal Behavior (IN: Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide. Volume 2: Risk Factors for Youth Suicide)

Year: 1989 Source: Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, January 1989. p.247-262 SIEC No: 19890954

This paper reviews the clinical, twin, Iowa-500, Amish, & Copenhagen adoption studies. The authors conclude that suicide tends to run in families. A psychological rather than a genetic factor may be transmitted. Other studies show that there is a genetic factor in suicide in the form of a psychiatric disorder. Yet, other studies show that there is a genetic factor for suicide independent of the genetic transmission of psychiatric disorders. Implications for suicide prevention are presented. (CM)

Table of Contents

Genetics and Suicidal Behavior (IN: Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide. Volume 2: Risk Factors for Youth Suicide)

Roy A