Is the 5-HTTLPR Polymorphism Associated With Bipolar Disorder or With Suicidal Behavior of Bipolar Disorder Patients?

167 Brazilian inpatients with bipolar disorder & 184 healthy controls were assessed. Suicidal behaviour was assessed using a semi-structured instrument & a review of medical records. Genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR was performed. 77 patients had a history of previous suicide attempts. Patients carrying the S allele made violent suicide attempts more frequently & made more suicide attempts. An association was shown between the S allele & suicidal behaviour but not with bipolar disorder. Data suggest a phenotypic stratification, taking into account suicide behaviour history, is of pivotal importance when performing association studies between bipolar disorder & 5-HTTLPR genotypes. (21 refs.)