Animal models to improve our understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior.

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, suicide is a leading cause of death. Although a sizable proportion of deaths by suicide may be preventable, it is well documented that despite major governmental and international investments in research, education and clinical practice suicide rates have not diminished and are even increasing among several at-risk populations. Although nonhuman animals do not engage in suicidal behavior amenable to translational studies, we argue that animal model systems are necessary to investigate candidate endophenotypes of suicidal behavior and the neurobiology underlying these endophenotypes. Animal models are similarly a critical resource to help delineate treatment targets and pharmacological means to improve our ability to manage the risk of suicide. In particular, certain pathophysiol

SUBMITTER: Gould TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5416692 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature