Bipolar Today

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Researchers at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto have found a genetic link between a low-functioning BDNF gene (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and suicidal behavior. The specific variation is known as the “methianine” or “met” variant of the BDNF gene. The study is a meta-analysis that looked at a number of different studies with a total of 3352 participants in order to come to this conclusion. The study opens up the possibility of genetic testing for suicidal behavior, but the study notes that the exact role of the BDNF gene is unknown at this time. You can find the abstract of the study here and the CAMH press release here.

Commentary

There are a couple of things to note about this study. First, the study doesn’t establish the actual causation here. If the cause is direct, then, by stimulating a hypoactive BDNF gene, one may be able to straightforwardly influence suicidal behavior. However, if, as is more likely, the BDNF gene is simply tied to many mental illnesses that in turn cause suicidal behavior, then any application is likely to be more complex. Nonetheless, if some sort of gene therapy for suicidal behavior or even mental illness can be developed, that would be a great benefit to all people with mental illnesses.

A second concern is the possibility of now testing for suicidal behavior. This can be used positively, in so far as those who are found to have the marker should be more on guard against suicidal behavior and more precautions can be taken. However, in the hands of our modern eugenics movement, known as genetic counseling, it raises the possibility that people with this marker will be screened for, giving the eugenics movement another tool for eliminating those with mental illnesses before we are even born.

Related posts:

1. More Genetic Markers Found for Bipolar Disorder
2. Similarities Found in Bipolar and Schizophrenic Brains
3. Genetic Link Discovered Between ADHD and Autism
4. Study Links Bipolar Suicide to Impulsivity and Abnormal Frontal Cortex
5. Study Examines Role of Mentally Ill Fathers