Analysis of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and 5-Hydroxtryptamine Transporter Polymorphisms in Patients at Risk for Suicide

Genotype frequencies of functional polymorphisms in the genes encoding the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) & the enzyme cathechol-O-methyltransferase were not different in 51 suicidal inpatients compared to 51 control subjects. Within the patient group, increased hopelessness and suicide ideation were associated with homozygosity of the 5-HTT high promotor activity allele. (36 refs.)