MQ researchers found that there is a shared genetic sensitivity between eating disorders and suicidal ideation.
(Please note that this blog always mentions suicidal thoughts.)
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders, are not just a struggle with food and body image. They bear serious medical and psychological risks. Among these risks, mortality, especially suicide, is prominent. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate in psychiatric diseases, a large part of which is attributed to suicide. But why do these conditions and suicidal thoughts often accompany you?
The Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN) and the National Institute of Health and Nursing (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Center illuminates this important research topic by Dr. Moritz Herle.
Moritz explores the genetic overlap between eating disorder symptoms and suicidal thoughts with data from approximately 20,000 participants in Covid-19 psychiatry and neurogenetics in the NIHR Mental Health Biobank. Their findings give us a greater understanding of how common biological factors contribute to both.
We already know
Years of twin and family research have conveyed to us that eating disorders and suicide have strong genetic components. Eating disorders are highly inherited – genetic factors significantly affect who develop anorexia nervosa, nervosa or overeating. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors also have a genetic basis, affecting suicide, suicide attempts and ideas for completing suicide. However, while genes work in each case, there is less understanding of the shared genetic effects that may lead to the vulnerability of both.
A new method
Unlike traditional genetic studies focusing on single diagnosis, this study takes a broader diverse approach by examining the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder rather than just diagnosis as a diagnostic case. Moritz and his team also focus on suicidal thoughts, including thoughts and feelings related to self-harm or ending life.
The main findings suggest that shared genetic sensitivity can partially explain the overlap between eating disorders and suicidal ideation. However, each genetic impact is unique. Genetic factors explain 9% of individuals’ dissimilarity in eating disorders and susceptibility to suicide ideation.
Why this matters
These findings suggest that certain genetic traits may increase vulnerability to eating disorders and suicidal thinking.
This doesn’t mean that people with eating disorders are bound to experience suicide, but it highlights measurable basic biological connections.
Many people believe that suicide in eating disorders is mainly due to depression or anxiety. Although mood disorders do play a role, the study found that even with depression and anxiety disorders, the genetic link between eating disorders and suicide ideation remains. This shows that there is a unique inherent relationship between the two.
Overall: Clinical and personal impact
In a clinical context, our findings suggest that mental health professionals should routinely screen patients with any dietary symptoms for suicide even if they do not show symptoms of mood disorders. Treatment needs to address the unique interaction between eating disorders and suicide thoughts rather than focusing solely on depression or anxiety. For people suffering from eating disorders, understanding that suicide may have genetic roots can be verified. It emphasizes that these ideas are not only choices or by-products of another disease, but may also have a profound relationship with the disease itself.
What is the next step of research?
Future research needs to include longitudinal data sets to understand how these conditions progress. This can help clarify whether one is ahead of the other before the other, thereby informing better prevention strategies. We also need more samples to ensure the findings are more widely applicable, as most participants in this study have European backgrounds. Importantly, recognizing shared genetic variation is only the first step. The main challenge now is to interpret this knowledge as interventions that can reduce risks and improve outcomes.
This work is supported by Rosetrees, Bird Song Trust and Stoneygate Trust. This blog is written by Agnieszka Musical.
If you are affected by eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, or needing a conversation, please help. Please visit our Get Help page for a list of organizations that serve you.
