At Least 20% Of Psychosis Patients Make Suicide Attempt During Their Lifetime

Main Category: Schizophrenia
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 30 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Patients suffering from psychosis are at elevated risk of suicide, with at least 20% of making a suicide attempt in their lifetime.

Factors associated with suicidality in early psychosis include depression, hopelessness and negative psychotic symptoms. In this study, researchers examined the rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in all patients diagnosed with first episode psychosis in a defined catchment area over a 2-year period. Of the 107 patients studied, almost half reported having contemplated suicide, and 9% had attempted suicide.

As a history of suicide attempts is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide, early identification of such individuals will provide a potential opportunity for reduction of suicide in early psychosis.

"Suicidality Prior to Presentation in First Episode Psychosis"
Sharon Foley, Deidre Jackson, Stephan McWilliams, Laoise Renwick, Marie Sutton, Niall Turner, Anthony Kinsella,
Eadbhard O'Callaghan
Early Intervention in Psychiatry - Nov 4th 2008, DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2008.00084.x
Click here to view abstract online

About Early Intervention in Psychiatry

The development, onset and treatment of emerging mental disorders

Endorsed by the International Early Psychosis Association

Edited by:
Patrick McGorry

Focusing on the early diagnosis and treatment of all mental health problems and disorders, Early Intervention in Psychiatry promotes the importance of early intervention in psychiatric practice. Articles across the full range of psychiatric disorders are welcomed, including schizophrenia and other psychoses, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders, as well as the underlying epidemiological, biological, psychological and social mechanisms that influence the onset of these disorders. Papers in the following fields will be considered: diagnostic issues, psychopathology, clinical epidemiology, biological mechanisms, treatments and other forms of intervention, clinical trials, health services and economic research and mental health policy. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118501024/home

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