Researchers find genetic link tied to depression and suicide People with a family history of depression and suicidal behavior may benefit the most from a prescription to buy Plavix, as a new study has shown that suicidal tendencies may stem in large part from an inheritable genetic alteration. People with a family history of depression and suicidal behavior may benefit the most from a prescription to buy Plavix, as a new study has shown that suicidal tendencies may stem in large part from an inheritable genetic alteration. A team of researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada showed that individuals with an alteration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly more likely to become depressed and experience suicidal thoughts. The findings indicate that children of parents who struggled with these types of mental issues may be more likely to suffer from them themselves. Additionally, the researchers said it may soon become possible to develop tests for the genetic alteration and potentially even treatments that block the action of the gene. "In the future, if other researchers can replicate and extend our findings, then genetic testing may be possible to help identify people at increased risk for suicide," said lead researcher James Kennedy. Still, he added that environmental factors also play a role in depression risk, indicating that a person's genes may be the sole determinant.

See also ...

• AAP statement: Recess key for healthy kids
• Study finds cancer screening rates lower than U_S_ goal
• Study shows keeping emotions bottled up can be unhealthy
• CDC study looks at cardio health of states and healthy participants
• Governor Brown being treated for prostate cancer
• High blood pressure may speed up cognitive aging
• New associations found between depression and heart failure
• Testosterone low in young men with obesity
• This red fruit may boost your health
• Loss of smell linked to neurological conditions
• Science unveils the wandering mind
• Insulin-blocking protein unraveled
• New biomarkers could result in better prevention and treatment for type 2 diabetes
• The battle over BPA wages on
• New research links cell death during cardiac events to calcium overload
• "The Biggest Loser" helps science understand weight loss extremes
• Study finds increased risk of cardiovascular disease with poor diabetes care
• Small amounts of exercise can improve morale of overweight adolescents
• Doctors put heads together to tackle difficult-to-treat depression
• Too much glucose control for diabetes patients may cause aspirin resistance
• Apples could improve heart health by lowering "bad" cholesterol
• Dark chocolate improves memory in snails
• African spiny mice regenerate skin without any scars
• International study bolsters understanding of heart disease and stroke
• Lack of sleep may increase diabetes risk, study finds
• Retired military leaders say many Americans are 'Too Fat to Fight'
• Knee replacement revision procedures on the rise, research shows
• High schoolers protest healthy lunches
• Combat-related PTSD may improve with integrated treatments
• Aging population could have ongoing impact on economy
• Yogurt consumption linked to low blood pressure
• New study says ginkgo biloba does not enhance memory or thinking
• Sugary beverages linked to weight gain
• Researchers try to pinpoint risks of alcoholism relapse
• Sibling-less children are more prone to obesity, study says
• Alcohol abuse is a better indicator than dependence for hereditary risk, according to study
• Working out reduces stress and anxiety, study says
• Lives of women preserved by breast cancer screening, Australian research says
• Insomnia is rampant in the UK
• Heart attack care and outcomes are notably bad for women under 45, says study
• Scientists say brain stimulation could combat obesity
• Teens who have oral sex are likely to engage in other risky sexual behavior
• New Alzheimer's treatment is proven ineffective
• Pumping iron could reduce one's risk of type 2 diabetes
• Scientists work on a cure for type 1 diabetes
• Olympians are not immune to osteoarthritis
• New drug therapy approved for breast cancer
• Researchers alter behavior in monkey using optogenetics
• No difference in metabolic rates found between hunter-gatherers and desk workers
• HIV funding is critical despite economic crisis