Konrad Bresin1, M Sima Finy, Edelyn Verona. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820, United States. Konrad.Bresin@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous theory has suggested that invalidating environments in the form of emotional maltreatment should be a specific risk factor for the development of self-injurious behaviors (Linehan, 1993, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, New York, Guilford Press). However, results from previous studies have been mixed, possibly indicating that this effect may not be the same for all individuals. In fact, some individuals may be more susceptible to environmental influences (i.e., phenotypic plasticity), and this susceptibility may be in part a function of genes that are involved in neuroplasticity (e.g., the brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] Val66Met polymorphism). METHOD: We explored the interaction between retrospective reports of childhood emotional environment and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in relation to a history of two main types of self-injurious behaviors, suicide attempt and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), in a sample of individuals with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. RESULTS: For individuals with two Val alleles, there was a significant direct relationship between emotional maltreatment and self-injurious behaviors. However, the relationship was not significant for Met carriers. LIMITATIONS: The data are cross-sectional, which means causal inferences cannot be drawn. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the possibility of a common etiological pathway for NSSI and suicide attempts.
BACKGROUND: Previous theory has suggested that invalidating environments in the form of emotional maltreatment should be a specific risk factor for the development of self-injurious behaviors (Linehan, 1993, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, New York, Guilford Press). However, results from previous studies have been mixed, possibly indicating that this effect may not be the same for all individuals. In fact, some individuals may be more susceptible to environmental influences (i.e., phenotypic plasticity), and this susceptibility may be in part a function of genes that are involved in neuroplasticity (e.g., the brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] Val66Met polymorphism). METHOD: We explored the interaction between retrospective reports of childhood emotional environment and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in relation to a history of two main types of self-injurious behaviors, suicide attempt and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), in a sample of individuals with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. RESULTS: For individuals with two Val alleles, there was a significant direct relationship between emotional maltreatment and self-injurious behaviors. However, the relationship was not significant for Met carriers. LIMITATIONS: The data are cross-sectional, which means causal inferences cannot be drawn. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the possibility of a common etiological pathway for NSSI and suicide attempts.
Authors: Blanca Gutiérrez; Juan Á Bellón; Margarita Rivera; Esther Molina; Michael King; Louise Marston; Francisco Torres-González; Berta Moreno-Küstner; Patricia Moreno-Peral; Emma Motrico; Carmen Montón-Franco; María J GildeGómez-Barragán; Marta Sánchez-Celaya; Miguel Á Díaz-Barreiros; Catalina Vicens; Juan de Dios Luna; Irwin Nazareth; Jorge Cervilla Journal: J Psychiatry Neurosci Date: 2015-05 Impact factor: 6.186