Childhood Adversity and Suicide Risk
Oct 8, 2012
In a new book, Benoit Labonte and Gustavo Turecki (2012) [LINK] examine the epigenetic effects of childhood adversity in the brain and the associated suicide risk as a result. Their chapter is published in a book titled The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide (further details here [LINK]) and is availale on full at the link I've provided. "epigenetic" means "of or involving the chain of developmental processes from genotype to phenotype after the initial action of the genes" Thus, the view is essentially biological deterministic -- childhood adversity operates upon a genetically determined biological vulnerability not present in those of a different genotype, or biological heritage. I haven't had a chance yet to review all of the chapters but a number seem to be available online for free at this stage. So, for those not put off by heavy biological jargon and concepts I'd recommend it as a modern introduction to this important concern.