Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
<p><strong>Objective: </strong> This study prospectively re-evaluated, after a period of 20 years, a cohort of patients with schizophrenia who had been considered to be at high risk for suicide. The outcome and social factors associated with their suicide risk were investigated over the 2 decades. Method Subjects were contacted and interviewed face-to-face by following a questionnaire devised for this purpose. The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) was administered and ratings were compared to those from the original study. The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was administered. Cross tabulations were performed to identify factors associated with increased suicide risk. A psychological autopsy was performed, for those subjects who had committed suicide since the original study.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong>Fourteen of the original 33 high suicide risk schizophrenia patients were found. Three subjects committed suicide during the 20 year period. Among the living subjects, risks for suicide were found to be lower than 20 years ago. Male gender, poor social support, early age of illness onset, current admission to or recent discharge from hospital and a higher level of education were all factors associated with increased suicide risk. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Demographic factors and those related to illness course, found in this study to be associated with suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia, are congruous with those mentioned in the literature.</p>
Highlights
Hopelessness, depression, certain positive symptoms and adverse effects of medication found to be associated with suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia in this study are in accord with those reported in the literature
Despite extensive research into the symptoms of schizophrenia that may be associated with an increased risk of suicide, and the search for and implementation of more effective treatment interventions for schizophrenia, rates of completed suicide have increased in the modern era.[1]
Suicide rates of 0.5% between 1875 and 19241 and 3% between 1947 and 19602 have been reported. These pre-chlorpromazine-era suicide rates for patients with schizophrenia are significantly lower than those reported in recent studies
Summary
The subjects were interviewed and a questionnaire evaluating suicide risk was completed. The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) was administered and ratings were compared with those from the original study. The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was administered. Crosstabulations were performed to identify factors associated with increased suicide risk. For those subjects who had committed suicide since the original study, a psychological autopsy was performed. As part of evaluation of the symptomatology and treatment, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)[3] and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)[4] were administered. The severity of psychotic symptoms was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS),[5] which was adapted for this study. Previous and current psychiatric pharmacotherapy, treatment response, adverse effects and adherence to treatment were investigated by means of a questionnaire, after clinical interviews and perusal of patient records
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
