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Personality traits as an endophenotype in genetic studies on suicidality in bipolar disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2016

J. Pawlak ,
M. Dmitrzak-Węglarz ,
M. Maciukiewicz ,
P. Kapelski ,
P. Czerski ,
A. Leszczyńska-Rodziewicz ,
D. Zaremba  and
J. Hauser
J. Pawlak*
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
M. Dmitrzak-Węglarz
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
M. Maciukiewicz
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
P. Kapelski
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
P. Czerski
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
A. Leszczyńska-Rodziewicz
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
D. Zaremba
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
J. Hauser
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
*
Dr Joanna Pawlak, Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka St. 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland. Tel: +48 61 8547641; Fax: +48 61 8480392; E-mail:joanna.pawlak@gmail.com
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Abstract

Introduction

The influence of personality traits on suicidal behaviour risk has been well documented. Personality traits and suicidal behaviour are partially genetically determined and personality has been described as an endophenotype of suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between personality traits with suicidal behaviour and selected serotonergic gene polymorphisms.

Methods

In the study we included 156 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder (BP) and 93 healthy controls. The personality dimensions were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We genotyped two selected polymorphisms of the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene (rs1800532 218A>C and rs1799913 779A>C) and polymorphism in the promoter region of serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR, rs25531) related to serotoninergic neurotransmission. Multiple poisson regression, logistic regression and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied.

Results

We found numerous differences between the BP patients and the control group in terms of their TCI dimensions/subdimensions. Significant differences were found between patients with, and without, suicidal attempts in fatigability and asthenia (Ha4), as well as in harm avoidance (Ha). We also found that the interactions between TCI subdimensions (the interaction of disordiness (Ns4) and spiritual acceptance (St3), disordiness (Ns4) and integrated conscience (C5), extravagance (Ns3) and resourcefulness (Sd3)) were significantly contributing for suicidal behaviour risk. We found association between all studied genetic polymorphisms and several TCI dimensions and subdimensions.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that personality traits are partially determined by genes. Both personality traits and the interactions between temperament and character traits, may be helpful in predicting suicidal behaviour.

Keywords

personalityserotonergic genessuicide
Type
Original Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , April 2017 , pp. 115 - 121
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Copyright
© Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2016 

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