Welcome to the 22nd WCP Congress Program Scheduling

Based on the newest report of the World Health Organization (WHO) from the year 2021 more than 700 000 people die by suicide annually, with the number of suicide attempts being around 20 times higher. Both genetic and environmental effects contribute to suicide and related phenotypes, leading to the identification of populations at increased risk. The current symposium provides an overarching perspective by incorporating presentations about both genetic and environmental factors concerning suicide; suicide prevention utilizing technology; with samples from populations at increased risk, such as adolescents, low- and middle-income countries, and a patient sample with preexisting health conditions. The presentation of J. J. Mann covers a study about how genetic, and particularly, epigenetic effects of childhood adversity or recent life stress on key sites in the promotor region of the 5-HT1A gene mediate the effects of environment on major depression and suicidal behavior. Similarly, the study presented by S. Barzilay is also concerned about proximal predictors of imminent suicide but investigates an adolescent sample over a six-month period. Pilot results relate to the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical utility of digital real-time monitoring of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) and related risk factors among high-risk adolescents. The presentation of C. Hoven also concerns adolescents, but focuses specifically on suicide prevention in Guyana. Finally, V. Carli shares results concerning the effectiveness of an e-health system (NEVERMIND) in the management of suicidal ideation among patients with somatic conditions.