A Contribution to the Discussion of the Role of the Genetic Factor in Suicide, Based on Five Studies in an Epidemiologically Defined Area (Province of Salzberg, Austria)

Discusses what role genetic factors have in the transmission of suicidal behavior, with reference to 5 studies from the province of Salzburg, Austria. A high percentage of suicide-positive family histories was found as compared with other research, due, the author asserts, to exceptionally good sources of information. The author concludes that genetics should be considered equally with psychological & psychosocial factors in suicide research. (VM)