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Depression and suicide in schizophrenic patients.
1Center for Psychiatric Education, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Springfield 62708.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Schizophrenia patients often experience major depressive illness, increasing suicide risk. This study found significant depressive symptoms and suicide attempts in a psychiatric facility population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder.
- Major depressive illness is a common comorbidity.
- Suicide risk is elevated in schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of major depressive illness in schizophrenia patients.
- To assess suicide risk and attempts in this population.
- To explore potential causes of suicide in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of patients in a medium-sized psychiatric facility was studied.
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III (DSM-III) criteria were used for diagnosis.
- Suicide rates, attempts, and readmission data were collected.
Main Results:
- 22.4% of schizophrenia patients met criteria for major depressive episode.
- Seven patients died by suicide during the acute phase.
- 84 out of 215 readmitted patients experienced severe depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia patients with major depressive illness represent a distinct subgroup at high suicide risk.
- Depressive symptoms are a significant factor in schizophrenia patient readmissions.
- Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for suicide prevention strategies.