Predicting Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Using Biomarkers: Hope for Death Prevention in a Depressed Society

Abstract

Suicide is a global health crisis with complex psychological, social, and biochemical dimensions. Despite numerous prevention efforts, a focus on the biochemistry of suicide offers new avenues for identifying those at risk and understanding the molecular mechanisms and interventions. This article reviews the biochemical mechanisms underlying suicide and the possible use of biomarkers to predict suicide ideation and attempts in humans. Information used for this review was obtained from several search engines such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and AJOL. Evidence indicates that neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal dysregulation, neuroinflammation, genetic predispositions, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline imbalances, and stress hormones like cortisol contribute to suicidal behavior. Immune system dysregulation, inflammatory markers, and genetic or epigenetic modifications also play key roles in suicidal ideation and attempts. Findings suggest that understanding these biochemical factors can guide the development of early detection and targeted interventions, including pharmacotherapy and dietary adjustments. Such biochemically informed approaches could complement traditional psychological treatments, potentially reducing suicide ideation and attempts in humans.