Worldwide, suicide is among the top three causes of death for people aged 15–44 years, and is the second leading cause of death amongst university students (World Health Organization, 2010). South Africa has the eighth highest rate of suicide in the world: each year, approximately six to eight thousand people commit suicide, making suicide the third greatest cause of unnatural death in the country, after homicide and unintentional causes. Young adults (19-24 years of age) are considered to be the most at-risk group for depression and suicidality (including suicidal thinking; self-harming behavior and suicide attempts). For more information, see the Fact sheet.
Within the Division of Human Genetics, there have been previous investigations into suicidal ideation as a component of suicide. These studies have motivated for a closer investigation of the genetics of suicide and its associated behavior. The goal of this research is to provide a foundation for future investigations into the neurobiology of suicide with the ultimate aim of identifying predictable markers for suicide.
Blood samples for all of the suicide studies have been collected from the Salt River Mortuary since the end of 2014. To collect a blood sample, consent is taken from a family member by a qualified pathologist. All patients are anonymous. To date we have 75 confirmed suicide samples in the storage facilities of the Division of Human Genetics and collection is still ongoing.
Anyone experiencing anxiety and/or depression should call the UCT Student Careline for immediate help. The line offers 24/7 telephonic counselling, advice, referral facilities and general support to individuals who are facing mental health challenges or are contemplating suicide. The line may also be used by a person concerned about another person who might be experiencing distress.
Sanne Colijn is a Master's student investigating the association of 9 genetic loci in research groups of (i) suicide completers and (ii) bipolar disorder patients, (iii) with and (iv) without suicidal ideation, in the Western Cape, South Africa.
A pilot investigation of suicide ideation and its potential association with the genes SLC6A3, TPH1, TPH2 and HTR1B, within a psychiatric research group, in South Africa.
A Pilot investigation of genotyping specific variants in the BDNF, TPH2 and CREB1 genes, in a research group with mood disorders and suicide ideation, within the Western Cape, South Africa.
MSc Dissertation: Genotyping of specific variants in ABCB1 and SLC6A4, within the Western Cape, South Africa, in a research group with suicide ideation, and suicide victims.