Investigation of biological pathways linking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicidal behavior.

• Grant number: 24/03551-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Diego Luiz Rovaris
• Grantee: Isabella Folego Temoteo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/05652-0 - The physiological genomics of mental health from the perspective of the Brazilian exposome, AP.JP

Abstract

Among neurodevelopmental conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common, affecting 3 to 5% of the world population. ADHD is defined as a complex trait with multifactorial origins, meaning it is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. There is a high association between the presence of this disorder and other neuropsychiatric phenotypes, including suicidal behaviors (SB). SBs are characterized not only by self-harming actions but also by constant intentions and thoughts of self-harm. As both outcomes have a heritable biological component, it is interesting to identify the intersections between them. To do this, we will use a set of analyses involving genome-wide data. These will include analyses of global and local genetic correlations (rg) between suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempt (SA), and ADHD. From local rgs, we will use pathway enrichment analyses to investigate the genes and molecular mechanisms possibly involved in the biological connection between SB and ADHD phenotypes. Additionally, in two independent samples, we will assess the impact of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for SI and SA on the severity of ADHD, as well as the interactions between ADHD PRS, SI, and SA PRS on measures of suicidal ideation and self-harm in individuals with and without ADHD.