The scientists looked at DNA from about 2,700 people with bipolar disorder where about half had attempted suicide and half had not. They found that the people whose DNA had a particular gene variant were from 1.4 to 3 times as likely to have attempted suicide, depending on how many copies of the variant were present. Studying additional DNA from over 3,000 more people with bipolar disorder confirmed these findings.
This particular gene "is thought to influence the same biological pathway as lithium, a medication known to reduce the rate of suicidal behavior."
Virginia L. Willour, PhD, the leader of the study, said, "What's promising are the implications of this work for learning more about the biology of suicide and the medications used to treat patients who may be at risk. Not everyone with bipolar disorder can take lithium because of its side effects. If we could give them another option, that would be fantastic."
Since the rate of suicide and attempted suicide is far higher among people with bipolar disorder than for the general public, research like this could be crucial for saving lives. Willour says more such studies, with larger samples, are needed, but that the results are very promising.
Source: Newswise
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I feel very lucky recognizing my bipolar cycle that I was able to get help and hospitalized myself before I carried out my suicidal ideations. I’m getting treatment now and feel like a new person.
It is interesting to me because I have such a severe case of Bipolar II and my sister was diagnosed back in the day when the term manic-depression was still relevent and she commited suicide in 1987. I myself have had 3 suicide attempts. I am also a person who is unable to take lithium.
I tried commiting suicide 2 times long ago. Now that I am getting much older (64) the thought of suicide comes to mind much more often. That is probably how I will end my life!
For a long time I too have thought that I will probably end my life at my own hand.
I was surprised when I made it to 50, but if I was counting, I would count my milestones in hours rather than weeks,months, or years.
I see death as the only sure way to avoid experiencing my bipolar symtoms. If medication could make me feel like other people seem to do, then I guess I’d be happy with that. But any improvements are relative rather than absolute, and never last long.
If I believed in an afterlife (I don’t discount the possibility), then perhaps that might make me feel different, but I consider the concept unlikely. However if the afterlife was a nice one, I guess that might just convince me to do it today.
BTW: I think stigma stinks!
I also have BiPolar. I use a service dog to help control self harm attempts. I am on meds too, and one of my dog’s jobs is to remind me to take them. But if you are disabled because of your bipolar, I’d really recommend looking into Psych Service dogs!
Denise & proZac, SD
~Serice Dogs save lives~
I was just reading thru all the posts before mine about my dog. Truly… I understand and can relate to all of the suicide thoughts and actions. Please, do consider getting a Service Dog if you are disabled due to a Mental Illness (Bi-Polar). You may contact me if you are truly interested. You can also visit PsychServiceDogs.org. I think. My service dog has saved my life more than once!