Serotonin Transporter (5-HTTLPR) Genotype, Childhood Abuse, and Suicide Attempts in Adult Psychiatric Inpatients

There is growing evidence a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) moderates the impact of negative life events on the development of depression. However, it is unclear whether the gene x environment interaction predicts suicide attempts specifically. In this study, it was found the 5-HTTLPR genotype moderated the link between childhood physical & sexual, but not emotional, abuse & adult psychiatric inpatients’ histories of suicide attempts. (25 refs.)