Considering that in the United States, suicide claimed over 100 people a day in 2010 (CDC), it's imperative that we find better ways to detect people at risk for harming themselves so prevention strategies can be implemented before they make a suicide attempt.
A biomarker is a substance in the body that indicates the presence of a biological condition such as a disease. Why are biomarkers so cool? Because they can be identified and measured fairly easily and tend to allow earlier diagnosis than other kinds of tests.
In the study, the researchers followed participants diagnosed with bipolar disorder for three years by completing interviews and taking blood samples every 3 to 6 months. They found differences in the RNA (ribonucleic acid, which affects gene expression) of those with high levels of suicidal thoughts.
The researchers then compared RNA biomarkers among the participants to blood samples from a group of individuals who had recently committed suicide. Their biomarker levels were highly elevated much like the levels of the original group.
Scientists Develop Blood Test for Suicide Risk - Suicide, Depression, Anxiety Disorders
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