Epigenetic Regulation of the Amygdala by Child Abuse and Suicide

Question: Does gene function in the amygdala explain how child abuse can trigger suicide?

Strategy: Characterize genetic expression in the amygdala and blood of people with histories of aggression and severe child abuse who died by suicide and nonpsychiatric controls.

Impact: Identify pathways genetically induced by child abuse and propose avenues for intervention.