Genetic and biologic risk factors for suicide in depressive disorders.

Over the last few years data have accumulated suggesting that there may be genetic and biologic risk factors for suicide. This paper reviews studies from clinical populations, twins, the Amish, as well as data from the Iowa-500 and Danish-American adoption studies which suggest that there may be a genetic factor predisposing to suicide. The paper also reviews neurochemical data from cerebrospinal fluid, urine and postmortem studies which suggest that diminished central serotonin and dopamine may be implicated in suicidal behavior.