It is estimated that each year, at least 1 million people in the US intentionally self-harm, with some intending to take their own lives. Now, a new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry finds that a suicide attempt by a parent with a mood disorder may significantly increase the risk of offspring attempting suicide.

Share on Pinterest Offspring of parents with a mood disorder who have attempted suicide were found to be much more likely to attempt suicide themselves.

The research team, including Dr. David A. Brent of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, notes that previous studies have indicated that suicide risk may run in families.

A 2012 study reported by Medical News Today, for example, found that young people are more likely to attempt suicide within 2 years of a parent attempting suicide.

However, Dr. Brent and colleagues say few studies have analyzed what leads to suicidal behavior running in families, and this was something the researchers wanted to address with their study.

To reach their findings, the team analyzed 334 parents with mood disorders and their 701 children who were aged 10-50 years. Of the parents, 191 (57.2%) had attempted suicide. Their children were followed for an average of 5.6 years.

At study baseline, the children were required to undergo structured psychiatric assessments and self-reported questionnaires, allowing the researchers to establish the presence of any mental health disorders and suicidal behavior.