Infographic: The Neurobiology of Suicidal Behavior (the Scientist)

Clues about the biological mechanisms that contribute to a person’s chance of contemplating or attempting suicide



Scientists have identified several key neurobiological pathways with ties to suicidal behaviors. Research in the field addresses only a fraction of the complexity of this serious public health problem, and the literature on the topic is complicated by variation in study design, but the clues point to several interacting moderators of suicide risk. Three of the systems best-studied in relation to suicide are depicted below.



© LISA CLARK

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