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Suicidal behavior in chronic schizophrenic patients: a follow-up study
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|November 1, 1986
Summary
This study followed 100 chronic schizophrenic patients for 4.5 years. Researchers found 6% died by suicide and 16% attempted suicide, with more psychiatric admissions linked to suicide attempts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic schizophrenia is associated with increased suicide risk.
- Predicting suicidal behavior in this population remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate suicidal behavior in a cohort of chronic schizophrenic patients.
- To identify predictors of suicide and suicide attempts in this group.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study was conducted on 127 patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia.
- Follow-up data was obtained for 100 patients over a mean period of 4.5 years.
- Suicidal behavior (completed suicide and suicide attempts) was recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- During the follow-up, 6% of patients completed suicide and 16% attempted suicide.
- Patients who attempted suicide had significantly more psychiatric admissions compared to those who did not.
- Predictive factors for completed suicide at the time of index admission were not identified.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal behavior is a significant concern in chronic schizophrenia.
- Increased psychiatric admissions may indicate a higher risk for suicide attempts.
- Current methods are insufficient for predicting completed suicide in chronic schizophrenic patients at index admission.