# Dissecting the co-occurrence of alcohol use/problems and suicidal behaviors: the roles of genetic liability and neurocognitive mechanisms

> **NIH NIH K99** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $150,109

## Abstract

Project summary/ Abstract
The overarching goal of this K99/R00 proposal is to explore aggregate genetic liability and neurocognitive
mechanisms in the co-occurrence of alcohol use/problems and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Excessive
alcohol use is prevalent worldwide and represents a significant burden to human health; it is associated with
medical and psychopathological problems such as STB. STB are a critical public health concern, with a
continuing increase in suicide attempts and deaths every year in the US. The prevalence of STB is particularly
high among individuals with alcohol problems and studies have tackled this question from different perspectives.
Research indicates that alcohol problems could causally impact risk of STB; there is also empirical support for a
shared genetic liability between alcohol use/problems and STB. This shared genetic liability underscores the
existence of possible common mechanisms that would be involved in both alcohol use/problems and STB.
Decision-making (DM) has been observed in relation with adolescent drinking behavior and alcohol use disorder,
while both have been associated with STB. In STB research, DM difficulties have been described and may be
characteristic of impulsive suicide attempts, but current findings largely rely on self-reports and lack objective
evaluations. Additional knowledge could be gained by relying on a theoretical conceptualization of DM, a
systematic evaluation of its underlying neurocognitive mechanisms, and a consideration of the role of genetic
factors. Capitalizing on genetics and neuropsychology, we will explore which DM mechanisms play a role in
alcohol use/problems and STB co-occurrence, how genetic liability is involved in this association, and whether
environmental factors may influence the development of DM and its relation with alcohol use/problems and STB.
An improved understanding of these processes will contribute to prevention and intervention efforts by advancing
our ability to target potentially modifiable mechanisms according to the influence of genes and environment.
 This proposal delineates a series of training aims to advance our understanding of the co-occurrence
between alcohol use/problems and STB: 1) the candidate will establish expertise in the assessment of aggregate
genetic risks and other genetic models, and in advanced statistical methods that will lay the foundation of her
independent career; 2) different suicide phenotypes will be used and distinguished according to their association
with alcohol use, neurocognitive, and genetic characteristics; 3) the K99/R00 proposal gathers experts in the
disciplines of genetics and neuropsychology that will support the development of the scientific project and the
pathway to independence. The environment at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics is
ideal for the candidate’s goal of developing a comprehensive program in genetics, alcohol, and STB research,
and the proposed proje...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10922808
- **Project number:** 5K99AA030611-02
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Severine Patricia Lannoy
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $150,109
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-06 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10922808

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10922808, Dissecting the co-occurrence of alcohol use/problems and suicidal behaviors: the roles of genetic liability and neurocognitive mechanisms (5K99AA030611-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10922808. Licensed CC0.

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