SYMPOSIUM Is There An Indicator For Detecting Suicidal Behaviour Even Before It Sets In?

Suicide is a behemoth of a public health problem. More than 1,00,000 people die of suicide each year in the India, and 1 million people die globally. Suicide is the 14th cause of death around the world and tragically the 2nd leading cause of death in young population (15–29 years of age. Early identification of suicidal behaviour is vital for the prevention and meticulous treatment of suicide. Biochemical, psychological, behavioural risk factors are important in pointing the psychiatrist towards the right path, however, many times they produce a false positive or a false negative diagnosis. Multiple studies suggest that abnormal biology and genetic basis may be a risk factor for suicidality. Hence, a combination of bio-psycho-social factors might more accurately predict suicidal behaviour and be of key importance in finding at risk patients. It is thus of utmost importance to develop such biomarkers for suicidal behaviour. A useful biomarker should not only reflect the psychopathology, in this case suicidal behaviour, but it should also be measured in the least invasive manner possible. Development of biomarkers focused primarily on peripheral tissues such as CSF, serum, platelet, urine, etc. because of the esoteric nature of the human brain. Initial studies of the biology of suicidal behaviour and Initial studies of peripheral tissues focused on the levels of neurotransmitters and their metabolites in suicidal behaviour. Recent studies have found functional abnormalities of these neurotransmitters—for example, in the receptors and receptor-linked signalling systems for the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5HT]) and norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmitters. Newer studies have found a link between inflammatory pathway and suicidal behaviour, hs-CRP, IL, TNF have been shown to have significant alterations in suicidality. This presentation deals with the multifaceted evidence-based approach to identify, treat and preferably stop suicidal behaviour.