attempters versus elderly suicide ideators, non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed subjects in a reward/punishment-based task.42 Although decision making has not been formally studied in relatives of suicide attempters/completers, one study reported decision-making alterations in unaffected relatives of alcoholics suggesting that this cognitive dysfunction may be heritable.43 Jollant et al.44 reported that genetic polymorphisms previously associated with SB including the serotonin transporter promoter variant (5HTTLPR), tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and monoamine oxidase A modulated the learning process necessary in the Iowa gambling task for making advantageous choices in suicide attempters. The 5HTTLPR association has also been confirmed in an obsessive-compulsive disorder population45 and in healthy individuals.46
