An historic turning point in suicidology resulted from the demonstration that psychobiological abnormalities are associated with vulnerability to SB, independently of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.7 On the basis of cumulative results, a general model has been proposed postulating that vulnerability to SB is mediated in part by an important underlying genetic predisposition interacting with environmental and probable epigenetic factors throughout the lifespan; this combination of risk factors then modifies the function of neuronal circuits, thus rendering an individual more likely to engage in a suicidal act.9, 10 A number of identified biological impairments are coincident with personality traits related to impulsivity, aggression, neuroticism or hopelessness, which confer vulnerability to SB that is expressed in the context of aversive life events.11, 12, 13
