Suicide risk: where, why and how is it generated?

In this editorial we will first use the findings of epidemiological research to show that the closer we get to brain dysfunction, the higher is the suicide risk (Where?). Secondly, a distinction will be made between the proximate and ultimate causation of suicide behaviour as a biological phenomenon (Why?). Using the evolutionary psychiatry approach, the ultimate causation of suicide could answer the question why does suicidal behaviour exist at all? Third, we will review the most attractive recent molecular genetic findings in the field of suicidology genetics (How?). These three perspectives will in turn lead us to summarise where, why and how suicide risk is generated?