Recent Breakthroughs in Genetic and Brain Structural Correlates of Suicidal Behaviors: A Short Review

Abstract

Suicide accounts for more than 700,000 deaths annually and is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 years. Despite years of research to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of suicidal behavior, many questions remain unresolved—for example, whether suicidal behavior has a unique genetic or neurobiological basis and how these differ from related psychiatric conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. Identifying these biological correlates is paramount to advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie suicidal behavior. In this literature review, we examine the complex nature of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, integrat..