Abstract
BackgroundTo identify risk factors for suicide using data from a large, 3-year, multinational follow-up study of schizophrenia (SOHO study).MethodsBaseline characteristics of 8,871 adult patients with schizophrenia were included in a logistic regression post-hoc analysis comparing patients who attempted and/or committed suicide during the study with those who did not.Results384 (4.3%) patients attempted or committed suicide. Completed suicides were 27 (0.3%). The significant risk factors for suicide behaviors were previous suicidality, depressive symptoms, prolactin-related adverse events, male gender and history of hospitalization for schizophrenia.ConclusionsIn view of the observational design of the study and the post-hoc nature of the analysis, the identified risk factors should be confirmed by ad-hoc specifically designed studies.
Highlights
To identify risk factors for suicide using data from a large, 3-year, multinational follow-up study of schizophrenia (SOHO study)
A major hurdle in the prevention of suicide in schizophrenia is the difficulty in evaluating the risk of suicidal behaviors, as suicide in this patient population usually is the result of a sudden, impulsive act that makes the traditional assessment methods based on rating scales and interviews of little use [7]
The analysis of patients included in the analysis and those not included showed that those excluded had a higher frequency of lifetime suicide attempts (32% in the patients excluded from the analysis versus 25% in those included) and a history of hospitalization in the previous 6 months before the study (51% in the patients not included in the analysis versus 31% in those included)
Summary
To identify risk factors for suicide using data from a large, 3-year, multinational follow-up study of schizophrenia (SOHO study). About 20 to 40% of patients with schizophrenia make suicide attempts in their lifetime and around 5% die by their own hand [3]. The lifetime suicide attempt rate in schizophrenia is lower than that in major depressive disorder [3], but attempts are more dangerous, resulting in physical harm significantly more often (44% vs 16%) [4]. A major hurdle in the prevention of suicide in schizophrenia is the difficulty in evaluating the risk of suicidal behaviors, as suicide in this patient population usually is the result of a sudden, impulsive act that makes the traditional assessment methods based on rating scales and interviews of little use [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
