Suicidal Tendencies and How They are Linked to Genetics

 This article focuses on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's discovery that suicidal behavior is linked to our genetics. In the past, it had been discovered that the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) factors was related to suicidalness. BDNF is also involved with developing our nervous systems. In this study, the researchers pooled together around 11 studies on different patients with different mental illnesses, but one common factor of suicidal behavior. After compiling data and studying it, the conclusion had been made that among people with mental health disorders, those with the "met" form of BDNF, methionine, were at a much higher risk for suicidal behavior. 

This is a huge discovery and it is very important that this was discovered. The suicide epidemic plagues the world and takes the lives of around 1 million people a year. Discovering the link to this gene shows hope for possibly finding treatment plans to target suicidal behavior and save lives. This article is very important and is worth the read.