A Pilot Study on a Gene-Hormone Interaction in Female Suicide Attempts

In a first set of analyses, an association between menses & suicide attempts was replicated. According to the polymorphism of the serotonin transporter promoter area, subjects could be classified as S individuals (s/s or s/l) or L individuals (l/l). This third set of analyses tested for an interaction between the same polymorphism & low hormonal activity during menses & menopause. In fertile female attempters, the proportion of L women in the menses was significantly higher than expected in the population & almost significantly higher than in S female attempters. L females were also overrepresented in postmenopausal attempters. This gene-hormone interaction needs further investigation. (26 refs.) JA