Figure 1
From: Animal models to improve our understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior
Heuristic model displaying candidate genes, endophenotypes and environmental risk factors implicated in suicidal behavior that may lend themselves to further study in animal model systems. The upper portion of the figure indicates the dynamic interplay among genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that produce cumulative liability to complex behaviors such as suicide.451 Although attempted (non-successful) suicide does not always predate suicide as suggested on the reaction surface, it is a significant risk factor.15 None of the sections of this figure are meant to be definitive: gene loci, genes, candidate endophenotypes and links among these factors remain to be discovered, as well as factors that have not been fully evaluated. Environment, protective and harmful, includes a substantial number of sociological events unmentioned here because of our focus on the genetic and neurobiological correlates that may be modeled in nonhuman animals. Similarly, specific gene loci and genes were not included because of the current limitations in knowledge. TBI, traumatic brain injury.
