The role of genetics in suicide and the link with major depression and alcoholism

A clear genetic influence in suicide has been established. In addition, bot h the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems appear to have a role in suici de, mood disorders and alcoholism. This paper reviews some of the genes tha t may possibly be involved in suicide and their link to major depression an d alcoholism. The genes that are reviewed act on various enzymes within the serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems. With further study, these enti ties may form a spectrum along the same disease process associated with var iable expressivity of the responsible genes.