The article on page one of this issue of TRENDS has a reference to how research soon may allow calculation of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for suicide death. Data reported in a study in the February 2021 issue of the journal Nature Genetic Medicine indicate that suicide claims the lives of over 47,000 individuals annually in the U.S. and the national rate has increased by 33% between 1999 and 2017. Genetic factors are viewed as playing a major role in suicide risk, with an estimated heritability of close to 50% for suicide death and as much as 30% for suicide attempt. Research during the past decade has begun to characterize genetic variation associated with suicide and suicide attempts. Notably, this genetic risk seems independent of variants associated with developing depression or other mental illnesses. Similar to other psychiatric genetic research, suicide research has not yet identified well-replicated genes and gene pathways leading to functional mechanisms, but increasing momentum and support for large-scale research suggests that investigators rapidly are approaching this goal.
Even before specific risk genes and pathways are discovered, studies of suicide risk may allow the calculation of polygenic risk scores for suicidality. Once these data are available, they may rapidly be commercialized and marketed to the public as direct-to-consumer testing that currently is not subject to extensive regulation. Given these rapid developments, there is an urgency to understanding how individuals may interpret and act on this information. The aforementioned journal article reports the results of initial focus group research related to knowledge about and perceived acceptability of genetic testing for suicide risk among suicide attempt survivors and family members of individuals who died of suicide. The findings from the study highlight the importance of extensive engagement with potential stakeholders before such genetic technologies are made available for clinical or public use.
More February 2021 TRENDS Articles
PALIMSEST
Discusses how this term can be viewed metaphorically in considering how topics are updated and revised in successive issues of the newsletter TRENDS. Read More
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND COVID-19
Lists how separate components of various congressional bills are combined into overall reconciliation legislation. Read More
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
Looks at how an incoming new Administration goes about reversing policies established by the previous set of office holders. Read More
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Points out some ramifications associated with making it free to attend public institutions, reduce student debt, and control the spread of coronavirus on campus. Read More
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
Sexual Orientation Disparities In Risk Factors For Adverse COVID-19-Related Outcomes
Instant Death More Common In Absence Of Physical Exercise
Identifying Candidates For Drug Repurposing For SARS-CoV-2
Affordable CRISPR App Reveals Unintended Mutations At Site Of CRISPR Gene Repair Read More
OBTAINABLE RESOURCES
Voluntary Support Of Education
National Healthcare Quality And Disparities Report
50-State Survey Of Telehealth Commercial Insurance Laws Read More
THE PRODOME: DIAGNOSIS, DISADVANTAGE, AND BIOMEDICAL AMBIGUITY
Examines how the prodome as an emerging phase of illness can create problems for patients, their families, and health care institutions. Read More
IMPLICATIONS OF GENETIC TESTING FOR SUICIDE RISK
Pertains to a discussion regarding the possibility that polygenic risk scores eventually may be used regarding suicide death and some concerns once any product is commercialized and marketed directly to consumers. Read More