English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease characterized by remissions and Exacerbations. It reduces the life expectancy of those afflicted by approximately 10 years, And suicide accounts for the majority of premature deaths among patients suffering from Schizophrenia. Suicide is the most devastating possible outcome of a schizophrenic Illness. In addition to the finality for the patients, suicide has an intense and long-lasting Impact on families, other patients, and professional staff (Allebeck 1989, Black et al 1985). The risk of suicide in schizophrenia exceeds that of all psychiatric disorders other Than major depression (Asnis et al). The rate of suicide in schizophrenia has been Reported to be some 20-50 times greater than suicide rate in general population (Black 1988). It has been found that 20% to 40% of patients suffering from schizophrenia make Suicide attempts. The completed suicide rate in schizophrenia ranges from 9% to 12.9% (Tsuang et al 1980). Approximately 1% to 2 % of patients suffering from schizophrenia Who attempt suicide are reported to complete suicide within a year after their initial Attempt, with an additional 1% doing so each year thereafter (Vanessa Raymont). Suicide attempts are associated with protracted, non-regressive symptomatology, The majority occurring before 30 years of age. Chronicity, incapacity and complaints of Social isolation even though they are not being abandoned, are characteristic of those who Die by suicide. Suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia are serious, typically requiring Medical attention. Intent is strong and the majority of those who attempt make multiple Attempts, having a higher rate of more lethal methods (Radomsky et al). Risk factors including previous attempts are however found to be having limited Value in the prediction of eventual suicide and traditional risk scales are considered Ineffective (Heila et al, 1997). There has been a paucity of Indian studies on this subject which promoted us to take Up this study. In this study, we have tried to find differences in the groups of suicide attempters And non-attempters in schizophrenia in search for a possible recognition of risk factors. The question looming large is: “IS THERE PREVENTION?”