Assessment of suicide risk in schizophrenia with addictive comorbidity

Abstract

Introduction Comorbid drug use disorders are associated with greater risk for relapse in schizophrenia and lower adherence to treatment. A comprehensive evaluation of patients with dual diagnosis should address the problem of suicide risk, which is a reputated complication of both psychotic disorders and drug use disorders. Objectives Depression and suicide risk assessment in subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia and drug related disorders. Aims To establish a protocol for early intervention in cases with depressive features that associate suicide risk. Methods All the patients ( n =37, female n =15, male n =12) with both schizophrenia and a drug related disorder, consecutively admitted in our department during a 6-month period, were evaluated using Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Inventory of Drug Taking Situations (IDTS), Clinical Global Impression- Severity (CGI-S). Subjects were evaluated at admission, discharge and after 3 months. Results A percentage of 21.6 of all patients registered CDSS score at baseline above the cutt-off score for a major depressive episode of 6, while 10.8% had CDSS score of 6 and 8.1% had a CDSS score of 5. IDTS had greater scores in all these 15 patients with high CDSS values, comparative to the other, P Conclusions Using a specific method for depression and suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia and drug related disorder is very useful for establishing a specific treatment approach and monitoring plan.