Blood Test May Predict Suicide Risks
Predicting what people may be at risk to take their own lives may come down to a simple blood test in the not to distant future.
A new study published in yesterday’s American Journal of Psychiatry may have revealed a genetic marker that could predict how, in certain people, stress and anxiety may lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. In a study of 325 blood samples, researchers were able to tell within an 80 to 90 percent accuracy rate whether the blood sample belonged to someone who had tried, or had frequent thoughts of, suicide.
The DNA methylation scan identified an additive epigenetic and genetic association with suicide at rs7208505 within the 3′ untranslated region of the SKA2 gene independently in the three brain cohorts. This finding was replicated with suicidal ideation in blood from three live cohorts. SKA2 gene expression was significantly lower in suicide decedents and was associated with genetic and epigenetic variation of rs7208505, possibly mediated by interaction with an intronic microRNA, miR-301a. Analysis of salivary cortisol measurements suggested that SKA2 epigenetic and genetic variation may modulate cortisol suppression, consistent with its implicated role in glucocorticoid receptor transactivation. SKA2 significantly interacted with anxiety and stress to explain about 80% of suicidal behavior and progression from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt.
The gene SKA2 is a predictor of how the brain controls stress hormones. Researchers are studying how a cluster of chemicals called methyls can interfere with that gene and stop the brain’s ability to shut down or lower stress levels.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It takes more than twice as many lives as violent crime and last year more people died by their own hand than in automobile accidents.
While a blood test could show those who are at risk, researchers also caution that it is only one of many indicators. Zachary Kaminsky, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who led the study, told The Washington Post:
It’s like a person trying to cross the street. It doesn’t make you destined to be hit, but might encourage you to be a more aware pedestrian.
Here’s a video from Indiana University’s School of Medicine about similar research into the subject:
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By: Eric Trommater
A liberal living in Northern Virginia. Father of Two great kids. Former sports writer and movie critic.
18 responses to Blood Test May Predict Suicide Risks
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Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 14:45
Some food for thought.
R.J. Carter July 31st, 2014 at 14:49
I’m at peak opportunity! Better start checking my food for any SKA2 additives!
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 14:52
I’m 44, so I’m a year away. Is there a cortisol supplement on the market?
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 14:45
Some food for thought.
R.J. Carter July 31st, 2014 at 14:49
I’m at peak opportunity! Better start checking my food for any SKA2 additives!
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 14:52
I’m 44, so I’m a year away. Is there a cortisol supplement on the market?
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:09
Seems like there could be a real chance for abuse and lawsuits in the not too distant future considering they don’t even want doctors asking about gun ownership.
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:17
Suicide kills more than twice as many people as gun crimes every year. In fact 2/3 of all gun deaths are suicides. You are more than twice as likely to know someone who commits suicide than who gets shot by someone else.
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:20
From what I’ve read from some sources even owning a firearm marks a person as a greater risk of committing the act, is that true?
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:27
Statistically no. The correlation in that paper from last year was shown to not only be faulty but actually the numbers show that fire arm owners actually have a slightly lower impulse toward suicide and the idea that impulse decisions to were aided by access to firearms is mis-leading.
While it is true that firearms make it easier to make that final decision it goes to the basic myth that suicides are somehow an impulsive decision which is not supported by most psychological data. In my brother’s case he didn’t own a gun and hung himself.
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:28
Thank you.
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:31
It’s a tough subject with no easy fixes I know. I appreciate your taking time to learn about it. A lot of people turn a blind eye.
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:09
Seems like there could be a real chance for abuse and lawsuits in the not too distant future considering they don’t even want doctors asking about gun ownership.
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:17
Suicide kills more than twice as many people as gun crimes every year. In fact 2/3 of all gun deaths are suicides. You are more than twice as likely to know someone who commits suicide than who gets shot by someone else.
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:20
From what I’ve read from some sources even owning a firearm marks a person as a greater risk of committing the act, is that true?
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:27
Statistically no. The correlation in that paper from last year was shown to not only be faulty but actually the numbers show that fire arm owners actually have a slightly lower impulse toward suicide and the idea that impulsive decisions to kill themselves were aided by access to firearms is mis-leading.
While it is true that firearms make it easier to make that final decision it goes to the basic myth that suicides are somehow an impulsive decision which is not supported by most psychological data. In my brother’s case he didn’t own a gun and hung himself.
edmeyer_able July 31st, 2014 at 15:28
Thank you.
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 15:31
It’s a tough subject with no easy fixes I know. I appreciate your taking time to learn about it. A lot of people turn a blind eye.