From a developmental-transactional perspective, psychopathology (especially mood disorders) developing after the onset of puberty may lead to suicidal ideation (Bridge et al. 2006). Suicidal ideation may interact with stressful life events (such as legal problems, interpersonal loss, interpersonal discord), to produce a suicide attempt. Additional factors, such as current drug intoxication, exposure to suicide, or availability of a lethal agent, can further increase the risk of completed suicide (Bridge et al. 2006). More specifically, the developmental-transactional model provides a framework for research questions, such as: (a) does a genetic predisposition for 5-HT dysregulation interact with stressful life events, leading to elevated risk for suicidal behavior; (b) can the presence of suicidal or impulsive behaviors lead to substance use; and, conversely (c) can substance use increase levels of impulsivity or suicidal behaviors?
