Serotonin transporter gene expression predicts the worsening of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts along a long-term follow-up of a Major Depressive Episode

The quest for biomarkers in suicidal behaviors has been elusive so far, despite their potential utility in clinical practice. One of the most robust biological findings in suicidal behaviors is the alteration of the serotonin transporter function in suicidal individuals. Our main objective was to investigate the predictive value of the serotonin transporter gene expression (SLC6A4) for suicidal ideation and as secondary, for suicide attempts in individuals with a major depressive episode (MDE). A 30-week prospective study was conducted on 148 patients with a MDE and 100 healthy controls including 4 evaluation times (0, 2, 8 and 30 weeks).
Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research