Association of the serotonin transporter promotor polymorphism with suicide attempters with a high medical damage

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2007 Feb;17(3):230-3. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2006.08.006. Epub 2006 Oct 9.

Abstract

Serotonergic neurotransmission has been implicated in suicidal behavior, including inconsistent results concerning the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR). Here, we analyzed the 5-HTTLPR in suicide attempters (n=85). Comparing the presence of SS with SL+LL genotypes showed a significantly higher prevalence of the SS genotype in suicide attempters with high medical damage scores (chi2=9.054, df=1, p=0.0026). The results suggest that the S-allele may predispose for suicidal behavior characterized by high determination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • DNA / genetics
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*

Substances

  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • DNA