Year: 2004 Source: Archives of Suicide Research, v.8, no.4, (2004), p.297-301 SIEC No: 20041299

This commentary examines the genetics behind suicidal behavior. The phenotype is defined, followed by a brief discussion of 2 employable genetic methods: positional cloning & the more classical approach involving candidate genes. The authors explain the polygenetic, multifactorial model of suicidal genetics & address the interaction of genes & the environment. They also list possible ways in which suicidal behavior could have been selected for genetically in populations & identify those specific populations in which it may have appeared. Finally, they address future ethical implications in this field of research. (12 refs)