Suicidal behavior linked to Val66Met genetic variant which reduces BDNF activity
From the article:
After pooling results from 11 previous studies and adding their own study data involving people with schizophrenia, CAMH scientists confirmed that among people with a psychiatric diagnosis, those with the methionine (“met”) variation of the gene had a higher risk of suicidal behaviour compared to those with the valine variation.
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“Our findings may lead to the testing and development of treatments that target this gene in order to help prevent suicide,” says Dr. James Kennedy, director of CAMH’s Neuroscience Research Department. “In the future, if other researchers can replicate and extend our findings, then genetic testing may be possible to help identify people at increased risk for suicide.”
As the low-functioning BDNF met variation is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour, it may also be possible to develop a compound to increase BDNF functioning, Dr. Kennedy says.