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Suicidality in first episode psychosis.
Mary Clarke1, Peter Whitty, Stephen Browne
1Stanley Research Unit, Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hospitaller Order of St John of God, Cluain Mhuire Service, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland. mcandek@gofree.indigo.ie
Schizophrenia Research
|July 19, 2006
Summary
Suicide risk is elevated during untreated psychosis. A study found 10% of individuals attempted suicide before treatment, rising to 18% with 3% completed suicides within four years.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
- Epidemiology of Psychosis
Background:
- The period following first presentation of psychosis is known to carry a high suicide risk.
- Limited data exists on suicide risk calculated from the onset of illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess suicidality in individuals with psychosis, considering both the period of untreated psychosis and a four-year follow-up.
- To identify factors associated with suicide attempts in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 166 individuals from an urban area were studied.
- Suicidality was assessed during the untreated psychosis phase and at a 4-year follow-up.
- The duration of untreated psychosis was analyzed in relation to suicide attempts.
Main Results:
- Prior to presentation, nearly 10% of individuals had attempted suicide.
- At the 4-year follow-up, 18% had attempted suicide, and 3% had died by suicide.
- A longer duration of untreated psychosis was linked to suicide attempts before presentation.
Conclusions:
- Suicidality is a significant concern throughout the course of psychosis, starting even before formal presentation.
- Early intervention and reducing the duration of untreated psychosis may be crucial in mitigating suicide risk.