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Blunted affect and suicide in schizophrenia: A systematic review
Markella Grigoriou1, Rachel Upthegrove2
1Psychiatry Department, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT UK; Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, 52 Pritchatts Road, B15 2TT, UK.
Psychiatry Research
|August 18, 2020
Summary
Blunted affect, a negative symptom in schizophrenia, is linked to increased suicide risk. This symptom may indirectly contribute to suicidal behavior through factors like isolation and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia affects up to 13% of individuals.
- Negative symptoms, including blunted affect, are core features of schizophrenia.
- The relationship between negative symptoms and suicide risk is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the association between blunted affect and suicide in schizophrenia.
- To explore potential indirect pathways linking blunted affect to suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searches conducted in EMBASE, PsychInfo, and MedLine databases until January 2020.
- Inclusion criteria applied to 858 identified articles, with 12 papers meeting criteria.
Main Results:
- Nine of twelve studies reported a positive association between blunted affect and suicide.
- Three studies found no significant association.
- Blunted affect appears indirectly linked to suicide via emotional withdrawal, depression, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and negative evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Blunted affect is frequently associated with suicide risk in schizophrenia.
- Indirect pathways mediated by other risk factors are likely involved.
- Future research should assess blunted affect as a mediator of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia.
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