Can the risk for suicide be inherited?

Answer:

There is growing evidence that familial and genetic factors contribute to the risk for suicidal behavior. Major psychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism and substance abuse, and certain personality disorders, which run in families, increase the risk for suicidal behavior. This does not mean that suicidal behavior is inevitable for individuals with this family history; it simply means that such persons may be more vulnerable and should take steps to reduce their risk, such as getting evaluation and treatment at the first sign of mental illness.

Learn More:

• Suicide Prevention. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
• National Suicide Prevention Initiative (SAMHSA)
• National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (SAMHSA, CDC, NIH, HRSA, IHS)

Last Updated: 5/7/2008