Neurobiological Underpinnings of Suicidal Behavior: Integrating Data From Clinical and Biological Studies

Published English-language literature was reviewed to identify evidence supporting a multi-dimensional model of putative causal pathways for suicidal behaviour. There is evidence that clinical, neurochemical, neuroendocrine, neurocognitive, & neurophysiological contributory factors may be useful as intermediate phenotypes in describing putative causal pathways from genetics & early-life adversity to suicidal acts. It is concluded that determining the causes of suicidal behaviour involves integrating risk factors from multiple domains. (164 refs.) JA