HealthDay (3/11, Gotkine) reports a study found that “genetic factors influence suicide attempt risk, but they do not account for observed sex differences.” The researchers observed that “compared with men, women more often had suicide attempts (3.3 versus 2.6 percent). Risk aggregated within families in both sexes (odds ratios ranging from 1.6 to 3.4 across relative types), with higher risk in first- than second-degree relatives.” They noted that “stronger familial aggregation was seen in women than men and in same-sex first-degree relatives than in cross-sex pairs.” Furthermore, “moderate-to-high pedigree genetic correlations were seen for suicide attempts with psychiatric disorders, which were strongest with substance use disorders; no significant sex differences were seen. High genetic correlation was seen between female and male suicide attempts (0.85), suggesting a considerable genetic overlap.” The study was published in BMJ Mental Health.
Related Links:
— “Moderate Heritable Component Identified for Suicide Attempts,”Elana Gotkine, HealthDay , March 11, 2026