Review the ways in which family history, psychiatric illness, and biological factors are predictive of suicide

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suicidal behavior runs in families, as demonstrated by family studies. Adoption and family studies suggest a genetic effect that is independent of the genetic transmission of other psychiatric disorders. Twin studies demonstrate a high concordance rate for identical twins (11.3%) as opposed to dizygotic twins (1.8%).
Approximately 90% of attempted and completed suicides are committed by persons with psychological disorders. One disorder, major depression, is associated with a 15% lifetime risk for completed suicide, and 80% of persons with major depression report suicidal ideation. Suicide attempts in those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are approximately 60 times higher than the international population rate. Other disorders also pose suicidal complications. For example, individuals with substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, antisocial disorders, anorexia nervosa, and schizophrenia also have a risk of suicide attempts. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations telling them to kill themselves.
Neuroimaging and brain autopsy studies reveal very low levels of serotonin in the brains of people who have committed suicide. The biology and genetics of suicide seem to be partially independent of the biology of depression and other mental illnesses.