scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii, Suicidal Behavior, and Intermediate Phenotypes for Suicidal Behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodor T. Postolache ◽  
Abhishek Wadhawan ◽  
Dan Rujescu ◽  
Andrew J. Hoisington ◽  
Aline Dagdag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Distinct Subgroup ◽  
Intermediate Phenotypes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Trait Impulsivity

Within the general literature on infections and suicidal behavior, studies on Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) occupy a central position. This is related to the parasite's neurotropism, high prevalence of chronic infection, as well as specific and non-specific behavioral alterations in rodents that lead to increased risk taking, which are recapitulated in humans by T. gondii's associations with suicidal behavior, as well as trait impulsivity and aggression, mental illness and traffic accidents. This paper is a detailed review of the associations between T. gondii serology and suicidal behavior, a field of study that started 15 years ago with our publication of associations between T. gondii IgG serology and suicidal behavior in persons with mood disorders. This “legacy” article presents, chronologically, our primary studies in individuals with mood disorders and schizophrenia in Germany, recent attempters in Sweden, and in a large cohort of mothers in Denmark. Then, it reviews findings from all three meta-analyses published to date, confirming our reported associations and overall consistent in effect size [ranging between 39 and 57% elevation of odds of suicide attempt in T. gondii immunoglobulin (IgG) positives]. Finally, the article introduces certain links between T. gondii and biomarkers previously associated with suicidal behavior (kynurenines, phenylalanine/tyrosine), intermediate phenotypes of suicidal behavior (impulsivity, aggression) and state-dependent suicide risk factors (hopelessness/dysphoria, sleep impairment). In sum, an abundance of evidence supports a positive link between suicide attempts (but not suicidal ideation) and T. gondii IgG (but not IgM) seropositivity and serointensity. Trait impulsivity and aggression, endophenotypes of suicidal behavior have also been positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in both the psychiatrically healthy as well as in patients with Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Yet, causality has not been demonstrated. Thus, randomized interventional studies are necessary to advance causal inferences and, if causality is confirmed, to provide hope that an etiological treatment for a distinct subgroup of individuals at an increased risk for suicide could emerge.

scholarly journals Gray matter volume alterations associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in patients with mood disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengshuo Wang ◽  
Ran Zhang ◽  
Xiaowei Jiang ◽  
Shengnan Wei ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Middle Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Background Mood disorders are severe mental disorders related to increased suicidal behavior. Finding neural features for suicidal behavior, including suicide attempts (SAs) and suicidal ideation (SI), in mood disorders may be helpful in preventing suicidal behavior. Methods Subjects consisted of 70 patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, 128 patients with mood disorders without suicidal behavior (mood disorders control, MC), and 145 health control (HC) individuals. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques to examine gray matter volumes (GMVs). Results Significant differences were found in GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus among the patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, MC, and HC. Post hoc comparisons showed significant differences in the GMVs of the above regions across all three groups (P < 0.01): HC > MC > mood disorders with suicidal behavior. However, there were no significant differences in the GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus between the mood disorders with SI and mood disorders with SAs groups. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that abnormal regional GMV in the middle frontal gyrus is associated with suicidal behavior in mood disorders. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the GMV alterations in mood disorders with SI are different from these in mood disorders with SAs.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Suicidal Behavior in People with Alcohol Consumption

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel ◽  
Sergio Estrada-Martínez ◽  
Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos ◽  
Isabel Beristain-García ◽  
Ángel Osvaldo Alvarado-Félix ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Immunosorbent Assays ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

We determined the association between T. gondii infection and suicidal behavior in people with alcohol consumption. One-thousand four-hundred and twenty-three people with alcohol consumption were screened for suicidal behavior and tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 34 of 224 (15.2%) individuals with suicidal ideation and in 118 (9.8%) of 1199 individuals without suicidal ideation (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.08–2.47; p = 0.01). Seropositivity to T. gondii was associated with suicidal ideation in women (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.33–3.78; p = 0.001) and in individuals aged ≤30 years (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.22–5.87; p = 0.01) and >50 years (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.19–6.77; p = 0.01). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 17 of 136 (12.5%) individuals with suicide attempts and in 135 (10.5%) of 1287 individuals without suicide attempts (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.71–2.08; p = 0.47). Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was associated with suicide attempts in women (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 0.99–3.55; p = 0.04). No association between anti-T. gondii IgM and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts was found. Results suggest that T. gondii infection is associated with suicidal behavior in people with alcohol consumption.

scholarly journals The Impact of Infectious Disease-Related Public Health Emergencies on Suicide, Suicidal Behavior, and Suicidal Thoughts

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago C. Zortea ◽  
Connor T. A. Brenna ◽  
Mary Joyce ◽  
Heather McClelland ◽  
Marisa Tippett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Infectious disease-related public health emergencies (epidemics) may increase suicide risk, and high-quality evidence is needed to guide an international response. Aims: We investigated the potential impacts of epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. Method: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsyArXiv, medRxiv, and bioRxiv from inception to May 13–16, 2020. Inclusion criteria: primary studies, reviews, and meta-analyses; reporting the impact of epidemics; with a primary outcome of suicide, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and/or self-harm. Exclusion criteria: not concerned with suicide-related outcomes; not suitable for data extraction. PROSPERO registration: #CRD42020187013. Results: Eight primary papers were included, examining the effects of five epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. There was evidence of increased suicide rates among older adults during SARS and in the year following the epidemic (possibly motivated by social disconnectedness, fears of virus infection, and concern about burdening others) and associations between SARS/Ebola exposure and increased suicide attempts. A preprint study reported associations between COVID-19 distress and past-month suicidal ideation. Limitations: Few studies have investigated the topic; these are of relatively low methodological quality. Conclusion: Findings support an association between previous epidemics and increased risk of suicide-related outcomes. Research is needed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide outcomes.

Depression and dopamine dysregulation syndrome as risk factor for suicide after deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
E. V. Bril ◽  
F. A. Abbasov ◽  
O. S. Zimnyakova ◽  
M. A. Anikina ◽  
D. G. Kesarev
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Deep Brain

Modern approaches to the management of advanced stages of Parkinson's disease include deep brain stimulation (DBS). Adequate selection of candidates for DBS is a key factor for the effectiveness and safety of this method. Selection criteria are mainly based on data from large multicenter studies. It is known that the use of DBS can be accompanied by the development of side effects, the most common of which is neuropsychiatric disorders. Suicide is an extreme manifestation of neuropsychiatric disorders and a potentially reversible cause of death in patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients with chronic diseases, including neurological diseases, have an increased risk of suicide or suicide attempts. Depression and impulse control disorders following DBS are likely key contributors to suicidal behavior in patients. The authors present a clinical case – an attempt to commit suicide after DBS with the use of levodopa with an analysis of the factors contributing the development of suicidal behavior and an analysis of the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals Gray Matter Volume Alterations Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts in Patients with Mood Disorders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengshuo Wang ◽  
Ran Zhang ◽  
Xiaowei Jiang ◽  
Shengnan Wei ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Middle Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Background: Mood disorders are severe mental disorders related to increased suicidal behavior. Finding neural features for suicidal behavior, including suicide attempts (SAs) and suicidal ideation (SI), in mood disorders may be helpful in preventing suicidal behavior. Methods: Subjects consisted of 70 patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, 128 patients with mood disorders without suicidal behavior (mood disorders control, MC), and 145 health control (HC) individuals. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques to examine gray matter volumes (GMVs).Results: Significant differences were found in GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus among the patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, MC, and HC. Post hoc comparisons showed significant differences in the GMVs of the above regions across all three groups (P < 0.01): HC > MC > mood disorders with suicidal behavior. However, there were no significant differences in the GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus between the mood disorders with SI and mood disorders with SAs groups. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that abnormal regional GMV in the middle frontal gyrus is associated with suicidal behavior in mood disorders. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the GMV alterations in mood disorders with SI are different from these in mood disorders with SAs.

scholarly journals Driving us mad: the association of Toxoplasma gondii with suicide attempts and traffic accidents – a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1608-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjen L. Sutterland ◽  
Anne Kuin ◽  
Bouke Kuiper ◽  
Tom van Gool ◽  
Marion Leboyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Population Attributable Fraction ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Statistical Adjustment ◽  
Antibody Titres

AbstractUnnatural causes of death due to traffic accidents (TA) and suicide attempts (SA) constitute a major burden on global health, which remained stable in the last decade despite widespread efforts of prevention. Recently, latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been suggested to be a biological risk factor for both TA and SA. Therefore, a systematic search concerning the relationship of T. gondii infection with TA and/or SA according to PRISMA guidelines in Medline, Pubmed and PsychInfo was conducted collecting papers up to 11 February 2019 (PROSPERO #CRD42018090206). The random-effect model was applied and sensitivity analyses were subsequently performed. Lastly, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated. We found a significant association for antibodies against T. gondii with TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–2.38, p = 0.003] and SA (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.10–1.76, p = 0006). Indication of publication bias was found for TA, but statistical adjustment for this bias did not change the OR. Heterogeneity between studies on SA was partly explained by type of control population used (ORhealthy controls = 1.9, p < 0.001 v. ORpsychiatric controls = 1.06, p = 0.87) and whether subjects with schizophrenia only were analysed (ORschizophrenia = 0.87, p = 0.62 v. ORvarious = 1.8, p < 0.001). The association was significantly stronger with higher antibody titres in TA and in studies that did not focus on schizophrenia subjects concerning SA. PAF of a T. gondii infection was 17% for TA and 10% for SA. This indicates that preventing T. gondii infection may play a role in the prevention of TA or SA, although uncertainty remains whether infection and outcome are truly causally related.

Suicidal behavior in a medical professional with comorbid depression and substance use disorder: an educational case report

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-233
Author(s):  
Drew D. Kiraly ◽  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Here, we publish a report of a previously practicing nurse practitioner who presented to a community hospital with severely depressed mood and neurovegetative symptoms in the context of recent relapse to alcohol and cocaine abuse. This patient had a long history of depression and polysubstance abuse. Additionally, the patient had a history of multiple previous suicide attempts with a high possibility for lethality. All of his attempts occurred in the setting of depression, escalating substance use, and interpersonal difficulties. Due to his chronic struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues, the patient lost his marriage, many close friends, and, eventually, his license to practice medicine. In this report, we highlight the increased risk of suicidal behavior or completed suicide in patients with co-occurring depressive and substance abuse disorders. We also look to highlight the often unmet need of mental health and substance abuse treatment for healthcare professionals. Studies suggest that healthcare providers experience increasing rates of burnout, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, but available treatment resources remain scarce. This is a serious public health issue that will require increased vigilance by the community at large to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both patients and their providers.

Mood disorders

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh Kamath ◽  
Ajay Shah
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Bipolar Disorders ◽  
Correctional Setting ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Correctional Settings

Depression and Bipolar Disorder comprise a substantial percentage of all psychiatric care in the community. This is also the case in correctional settings. Diagnosis and treatment may vary in multiple ways, given the context and characteristics of jails and prisons. Reassessment of symptomatology at every visit, especially in the first few months of incarceration, enhances accurate diagnosis. The clinical presentation of many individuals at the time of incarceration is frequently confounded by substance withdrawal, adjustment issues, and other comorbidities. The clinical picture frequently evolves and allows improved accuracy over weeks to months. Decades of research conducted in the community and correctional settings have shown a close but controversial relationship between mood disorders, aggression, and criminality. This may be reflected in a substantially increased risk of multiple incarcerations as with the observation that inmates with bipolar disorders are 3.3 times more likely to have had four or more previous incarcerations compared with inmates who had no major psychiatric disorders. In terms of management risks, studies conducted with both genders in the correctional setting have shown a strong association between depression and near-lethal suicide attempts. Data reflect the importance of both psychotherapy and targeted, thoughtful medication management in the effective treatment of mood disorders. This chapter discusses the data and those characteristics, as well as core management, best-practice, and evidence based therapeutic approaches to the treatment of major depressive disorders and bipolar disorders in jails and prisons.

scholarly journals Association between Childhood Maltreatment and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Depressive Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6025
Author(s):  
Meiqian Gong ◽  
Sheng Zhang ◽  
Wenyan Li ◽  
Wanxin Wang ◽  
Ruipeng Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Childhood Maltreatment ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Moderating Role

Suicidal behavior is a major public health concern worldwide and has become the second-leading cause of death among adolescents. The purposes of this study were to investigate the associations between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behavior and to test whether depressive symptoms have moderating effects on these associations. A multistage stratified cluster randomized sampling method was adopted to collect data from 21,019 high school students in Guangdong Province, China. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Chinese adolescents were 18.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Physical abuse (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 1.35, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.32–1.38), emotional abuse (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.25–1.28), sexual abuse (AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21–1.30), physical neglect (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.08–1.11), and emotional neglect (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.08–1.09) were all associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, and these associations were also found for suicide attempts. According to stratification analyses, physical abuse/emotional abuse/sexual abuse had a stronger effect on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among students without depressive symptoms than among students with depressive symptoms. Childhood maltreatment was associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in Chinese adolescents. Depressive symptoms play a moderating role in the association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behaviors.

The role of serotonin in adolescent suicide: theoretical, methodological, and clinical concerns

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Dolores Picouto ◽  
Francisco Villar ◽  
María Dolores Braquehais
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Adolescent Suicide ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Completed Suicide ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Introduction: Adolescent suicide is a complex phenomenon that has similarities and differences with adult suicidal behavior. Serotonergic (5-HT) dysfunction has extensively been studied in adults and has been postulated as a biological marker for suicide. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the studies available in MEDLINE from January 1998 until January 2014 on the role of “serotonin” both in adults’ and adolescents’ “completed suicide”, “suicide attempts”, and “suicidal ideation”. Results: Studies on 5-HT conducted in adults and replicated in adolescents have yielded inconsistent results. Although some genes related to the serotonergic system have been associated with an increased risk of suicide, attempts to reproduce those findings have been unsuccessful and a common genetic variant associated to suicidal behavior has yet to be identified. Discussion: Studies on the neurobiology of adolescent suicide should consider the biological specificities of this life stage and of gender differences during this period. Future research designs should also try to integrate findings in the psychological and biological domains. Prospective studies may help understand the process that leads from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts or completed suicides in this population.

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