Neurobiology and the genetics of suicide

Besides serotonin dysfunction, many other aspects of brain neurobiology have shown to be involved in the causality of suicidal behaviour. Here we describe the range of studies performed in neurobiology of suicide, with a historical focus. The investigated involvement of genetics in each traditionally studied neurobiological systems is presented. Although, the complexities and challenges in this field may seem overwhelming, the knowledge in this area is constantly increasing, refined in its details, and small breakthroughs occur constantly. Overall, suicidal behaviour occurs on the background of a complex polygenetic and environmental diathesis, manifesting in adulthood as various disturbances in the neurotransmitters and synapses, stress hormonal responses, neuroplasticity, metabolic, and neuroinflammatory processes. While it appears that there are many possible pathways towards establishing a suicidal diathesis, our understanding of this complexity may one day reach a critical mass, enabling the development of entirely better tools for intervention, prevention, and treatment of suicidality.