Investigation of A218C Tryptophan Hydroxylase Polymorphism: Association With Familial Suicide Behavior and Proband’s Suicide Attempt Characteristics

Tryptophan hydroxylase A218C polymorphism was analyzed in a sample of 248 Brazilian psychiatric patients & 63 healthy controls. In addition, at least 1 close relative was interviewed to assess family suicide behaviour history. A positive history of familial suicide attempts was associated with the chance of an individual attempting suicide. Familial suicide attempts were more lethal & frequently more violent. Significant differences of the tryptophan hydroxylase genotype frequencies were not found betwen patients & controls. The tryptophan hydroxylase A218C genotypes were not associated with a history of suicide attempt & the lethality of the most lethal lifetime suicide attempt & suicide attempt method. (63 refs.) JA