Suicidality In First Episode Psychosis Research Articles

Association between suicidal ideation, negative symptoms and theory of mind in first episode psychosis.

Suicidal thoughts are common among patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). The impact of symptoms' severity and social cognition on suicidal risk should be a focus of attention. This study aimed at assessment of the severity of suicidal ideation in patients with FEP and its potential association with the theory of mind (ToM) impairment and symptoms' severity. Ninety-six participants were recruited consecutively and subdivided into three equal groups: FEP, schizophrenia, and healthy controls (HC). The symptoms' severity was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Suicidal ideation was evaluated using Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI). Reading the Mind in the Eyes revised version (RMET) was used to assess ToM. Suicidal ideation was significantly higher only in FEP compared to HC (p = 0.001). Both FEP and schizophrenia had substantially lower performance than HC on RMET (p < 0.001). Higher depression (β = 0.452, p = 0.007) and negative symptoms (β = 0.433, p = 0.027) appeared to be significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation severity in FEP while RMET did not. Patients with FEP and chronic schizophrenia have comparable deficits in theory of mind dimension of social cognition. The severity of negative and depressive symptoms potentially contributes to the increased risk of suicide in FEP.

Factors associated with suicide attempts in first-episode psychosis during the first two years after onset

The risk of suicide in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is high. However, there are many unknowns about this phenomenon and the risk factors associated with higher risk are not well-understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine the baseline sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with suicide attempts in FEP patients over two-years after psychosis onset. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Between April 2013 and July 2020, 279 patients treated at the FEP Intervention Program at our hospital (Hospital del Mar, Spain) were enrolled and 267 completed the follow-up. Of these, 30 patients (11.2%) made at least one suicide attempt, mostly during the untreated psychosis period (17 patients, 48.6%). Several variables—prior history of suicide attempts and low functionality, depression, and feelings of guilt at baseline—were all significantly associated with suicide attempts. These findings suggest that targeted interventions, especially in prodromal stages, could play a key role in identifying and treating FEP patients with a high suicide risk.

Suicidal behaviour after first-episode psychosis: results from a 1-year longitudinal study in Portugal

BackgroundSuicide is one of the main causes of excess of premature death in psychotic patients. Published studies found that suicide risk begins in ultra-high risk of psychosis and continues in early years of the disease. Previous studies identifying predictive and risk factors associated with suicidality in first-episode psychosis (FEP) are highly inconsistent. Also, there are relatively few longitudinal studies on suicidal behaviour in FEP. The aim of this study was to examine prevalence, evolution and predictors of suicidal behaviour at baseline and the 12-month follow-up in patients presenting with FEP.MethodsOne hundred and eighteen patients presenting with FEP were recruited from two early psychosis units in Portugal. A comprehensive assessment examining socio-demographic and clinical characteristics was administered at baseline and the 12-month follow-up. Odds ratio were calculated using logistic regression analyses. McNemar test was used to evaluate the evolution of suicidal behaviour and depression prevalence from baseline to 12 months of follow-up.ResultsFollow-up data were available for 60 participants from the 118 recruited. Approximately 25.4% of the patients had suicidal behaviour at the baseline evaluation, with a significant reduction during the follow-up period to 13.3% (p = 0.035). A multivariate binary logistic regression showed that a history of suicidal behaviour and depression at baseline independently predicted suicidal behaviour at baseline, and a history of suicidal behaviour and low levels of total cholesterol predicted suicidal behaviour at the 12-month follow-up. A significant proportion of patients also had depression at the baseline evaluation (43.3%), with the last month of suicidal behaviour at baseline independently predicting depression at this time.ConclusionsThe findings of our study indicate that suicidal behaviour was prevalent on the year after FEP. Patients with a history of suicidal behaviour, depression at baseline and low levels of cholesterol should undergo close evaluation, monitoring and possible intervention in order to reduce suicide risk in the early phases of psychosis.

Suicidality Over the First 5 Years of Psychosis: Does Extending Early Intervention Have Benefits?

We aimed to investigate whether individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) receiving extended early intervention (EI) were less likely to experience suicidal ideation and behaviors than those transferred to regular care after 2 years of EI. Another objective was to examine the 5-year course of suicidality in FEP. We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial where 220 patients were randomized after 2 years of EI to receive extended EI or regular care for the subsequent 3 years. Suicidality was rated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Linear mixed model analysis was used to study time and group effects on suicidality. Extended EI and regular care groups did not differ on suicidality. There was a small decrease in suicidality over time, F(7, 1038) = 1.84, P = 0.077, with an immediate sharp decline within a month of treatment, followed by stability over the remaining 5 years. Patients who endorsed suicidality at entry (46.6%) had higher baseline positive, negative, and depressive symptoms. The 5-year course fell in 3 groups: never endorsed suicidality (33.9%), endorsed suicidality at low-risk levels (43.1%), and endorsed high-risk levels (23.0%). The high-risk group had a higher proportion of affective versus nonaffective psychosis diagnosis; higher baseline positive and depressive symptoms; higher 5-year mean depression scores, and fewer weeks of positive symptom remission over the 5-year course. The first month of treatment is a critical period for suicide risk in FEP. Although early reductions in suicidality are often maintained, our findings make the case for sustained monitoring for suicide risk management.

Psychological factors intervening between childhood trauma and suicidality in first-episode psychosis

Several studies have investigated childhood trauma (ChT) and suicidality in psychosis. However, psychological factors intervening between ChT and suicidality are not well understood. The aims of this study were to explore the roles of negative schema and rumination in the relationship between ChT and suicidality in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Participants were 306 patients with FEP who were enrolled in the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study, a prospective naturalistic observational cohort study. ChT, suicidality, negative schema, and rumination were evaluated using the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Brief Core Schema Scale, and Brooding Scale. In addition, psychopathology and depression were evaluated. Structural equation model and a phantom approach were employed to analyze the pathway from ChT to suicidality. We found close associations between ChT, rumination, negative schema, and suicidality. Importantly, negative schema played a direct intervening role in the relationship between ChT and suicidality in patients with FEP. Our findings suggest that targeting negative schema in individuals with FEP exposed to ChT will be an effective strategy for reducing suicidality.

Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation among individuals with first-episode psychosis.

Individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) are at elevated risk for suicide. The current study explored the applicability of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) as a model for understanding suicide in FEP. Thirty-nine individuals with FEP completed measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, and suicidal ideation. Results indicate that participants with recent suicidal ideation have greater levels of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness than those without recent suicidal ideation. In contrast, the interaction of IPTS variables did not predict the severity of suicidal ideation across the entire sample. These findings suggest that burdensomeness and belongingness differentiate between individuals with and without suicidal ideation, although these constructs might be less useful in predicting the severity of suicidal ideation among individuals with psychosis. Further research is needed to understand both transdiagnostic and unique risk factors that contribute to the high rates of suicide in this population.

Suicidal thinking and behaviours in First Episode Psychosis: Findings from a 3-year longitudinal study.

Suicide risk is greater at the beginning of the course of psychosis. Purpose of this research was: (a) to investigate prevalence and incidence rates of suicide attempts, suicidal thinking and completed suicide in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) help-seekers as compared with non-FEP help-seeking peers, and (b) to examine any correlation of suicidal ideation with other baseline psychopathological predictors. Two hundred and forty-one young people (13-35 years) were assessed with the World Health Organization Quality Of Life scale - Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Beck Depression Inventory - II Edition (BDI-II) and the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) at the enrollment and over a 36-month follow-up period. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to calculate cumulative incidence rates of attempted and completed suicide was used. FEP patients showed more severe levels of CAARMS "Suicidality/Self-Harm" item than non-FEP peers. They also had higher 3-year incidence rates of attempted suicide (11%) and completed suicide (13%). Within the FEP total group, suicidal ideation was positively correlated with BDI-II and CAARMS "Perceptual Abnormalities" item scores, and showed negative associations with younger age and WHOQOL-BREF "Social Relationships" factor sub-score. Suicidal ideation is relevant in FEP patents, supporting the routine monitoring of suicide risk in baseline assessment of adolescents and young adults with early psychosis. Suicidal thinking seems to be correlated to younger age, perceptual aberrations and depression severity, as well as to poorer quality of social relationships.

Adult Suicidal Behaviour of Native Psychiatric Inpatients: A Retrospective, Record-Based Study

Suicidal behaviour is seen in the context of a variety of mental disorders and while many believe that, in general, first episode psychosis is a particularly high-risk period for suicide, no general agreement regarding higher prevalence of suicide in first episode psychosis is achievable. In the present study, suicides and suicide attempts among psychiatric in-patients has been evaluated to assess the general profile of suicidal behaviour among native psychiatric inpatients and probing any relationship between serum cholesterol level and suicidal behaviour

Insight and risk of suicidal behaviour in two first-episode psychosis cohorts: Effects of previous suicide attempts and depression

BackgroundThe role of insight dimensions – illness recognition (IR), symptoms relabelling (SR), treatment compliance (TC) - in suicide risk in first-episode psychosis (FEP) remains unclear. MethodThe AESOP (n = 181) and GAP (n = 112) FEP cohorts were followed-up over 10- and 5 years. Survival analysis modelled time to first suicidal event in relation to baseline scores on the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight, whilst adjusting for demographic, clinical, psychopathological and neuropsychological variables. ResultsAESOP: those with previous suicide attempts scored higher on IR (7.6 ± 1.9 vs. 5.9 ± 3.0, p < 0.01) and total insight scores (TIS) (17.2 ± 5.0 vs. 13.4 ± 6.7, p = 0.03). IR (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), SR (r = 0.18, p = 0.04) and TC (r = 0.26, p < 0.01) correlated with depression. Univariable analyses: IR (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.98–1.34, p = 0.09), TC (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.99–1.71, p = 0.06) and TIS (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.99–1.13, p = 0.08) were linked with suicidal behaviour. Multivariable regression models: depression (HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.22–1.97, p < 0.01) predicted suicidal behaviour.GAP: SR (6.4 ± 3.1 vs. 4.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.03) and TIS (16.8 ± 6.4 vs. 12.8 ± 7.4, p = 0.03) were higher in those with suicidal antecedents. IR (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and SR (r = 0.27, p = 0.01) correlated with depression. Univariable analyses: TC (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01–1.83, p = 0.04) and TIS (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.99–1.14, p = 0.08) were associated with suicidal behaviour. Multivariable regression models: previous suicide attempts (HR 5.17, 95% CI 1.32–20.29, p = 0.02) and depression (HR 1.16, 95% CI = 1.00–1.35, p = 0.04) predicted suicidal behaviour. ConclusionsSuicide attempts prior to FEP and depression at that point were associated with baseline insight levels and predicted risk of suicidal behaviour over the follow-up, which was not linked with insight. This may explain the apparent association of insight with suicidality in FEP.

The dynamic relationship between insight and suicidal behavior in first episode psychosis patients over 3-year follow-up

Studies have established the high risk of suicide in first episode psychosis (FEP). Between 15% and 26% of FEP patients attempt suicide at least once before their first contact with psychiatric services and 2–5% die from suicide. Also, many patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders lack insight into having a mental disorder. However, the relationship between insight changes and suicidal behavior in FEP remains poorly understood. In the present study information about suicidal behavior over a 3 years period was available on a cohort of 397 FEP patients, of whom 270 were assessed in the three dimensions of insight (into mental illness, the need for treatment, and the social consequences) at baseline, 1 and 3 years after treatment initiation. Survival analyses examined time to suicidal behavior in relation to (i) insight at baseline, (ii) the closest insight measure to the suicide attempt, and (iii) changes in insight during the follow-up. No associations were found between baseline insight dimensions and time to suicidal behavior. However, poor insight at the evaluation closest to the suicide attempt was associated with an increased risk of suicide. Stability of insight did not affect the risk of suicidal behavior, while changes in either direction were linked with an increased risk of suicidal behavior, particularly worsening insight. Insight in psychosis is a dynamic concept and we demonstrated the relationship between insight and suicide risk to be equally dynamic. Poor insight seems to increase the risk, especially when insight levels change. Repeated insight assessment to detect change from early psychosis may play a role in suicide prevention.

S125. THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSIGHT AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR IN FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS PATIENTS OVER 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

BackgroundStudies have established the high risk of suicide in first episode psychosis (FEP). Between 15%-26% of FEP patients attempt suicide at least once before their first contact with psychiatric services and 2–5% die from suicide. Also, many patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders lack insight into having a mental disorder. However, the relationship between insight changes and suicidal behaviour in FEP remains poorly understood.MethodsInformation about suicidal behaviour was available on a cohort of 397 FEP patients. Three dimensions of insight (into mental illness, the need for treatment, and the social consequences) were measured at: baseline, 1 and 3 years after the initiation of treatment. Survival analyses examined time to suicidal behavior in relation to i) insight at baseline, ii) the closest insight measure to the suicide attempt, and iii) changes in insight during the follow-up.ResultsNo associations were found between baseline insight dimensions and time to suicidal behaviour. However, poor insight at the evaluation closest to the suicide attempt was associated with an increased risk of suicide. Stability of insight did not affect the risk of suicidal behaviour, while changes in either direction were linked with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, particularly worsening insight.DiscussionInsight in psychosis is a dynamic concept and we demonstrated the relationship between insight and suicide risk to be equally dynamic. Poor insight seems to increase the risk, especially when insight levels change. Repeated insight assessment to detect change from early psychosis may play a role in suicide prevention.

"What is the point of life?": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of suicide in young menwith first-episode psychosis.

Lifetime risk of suicide in first-episode psychosis far exceeds the general population, with the risk of suicide persisting long after first presentation. There is strong evidence to suggest that women more frequently attempt suicide, while men are at a greater risk of completing suicide. First-hand experiential evidence is needed in order to better understand men's motives for, and struggles with, suicidality in early psychosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 participants. The interviews explored each respondent's account of their suicide attempt within the broader context of their life, in relation to their past, present and future. In line with the exploratory, inductive nature of the study, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore the meaning of suicide attempts in these accounts. Three super-ordinate themes emerged: Self-as-vulnerable (intra- and inter-personal relationships), appraisal of cumulative life events as unbearable and meaning of recovery marked by shared sense of hope and imagery for the future. Young men in the early stages of their treatment are seeking to find meaning for frightening, intrusive experiences with origins which often precede psychosis. These experiences permeate personal identity, relationships and recovery. Suicide was perceived as an escape from this conundrum, and was pursued angrily and impulsively. By contrast, the attainment of hope was marked by sharing one's burden and finding a sense of belonging. Specialized assertive outreach programmes may be beneficial in improving the social inclusion of young men who may be particularly marginalized.

Serum cholesterol and Suicide in first episode psychosis: A preliminary study.

Background:Low levels of cholesterol have been described in suicide behavior including among those individuals who have an increased tendency for impulsivity. Violent suicide attempters show significantly lower cholesterol levels than nonviolent suicide attempters. The suicide rate is particularly high in the prodromal and early phase of schizophrenia. It is unclear if there is a psychopathological relationship between early psychosis, suicide, and cholesterol levels. The present study examines levels of cholesterol and suicide behavior in a cohort of early psychosis.Methodology:Sixty admitted patients with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnosis of nonaffective schizophrenia spectrum disorder (early psychosis) were assessed in a naturalistic cross-sectional, cohort study. Psychopathology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Scale for Impact of Suicidality–Management, Assessment and Planning of Care (SIS-MAP). Serum levels of cholesterol were estimated in the cohort as well. The findings were analyzed for a clinical correlation of cholesterol levels, suicidal attempters, and psychopathology.Results:Out of 60 patients, 13 patients had a suicide attempt in the recent past. No serum cholesterol abnormality (3.7 ± 1.2 mmol/L) was observed in patients as a group and those with low suicidality (SIS-MAP <17, serum cholesterol: 4.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L). However, low levels of cholesterol were observed in a subgroup with severe suicidality (SIS-MAP >33; serum cholesterol: 3.5 ± 1.4 mmol/L). Females with moderate suicidality showed statistically significant lower cholesterol levels than males (P = 0.047).Conclusions:The study suggests lower levels of cholesterol in patients of psychosis with severe suicidal thoughts and depression in early psychosis. More research is required in this field to determine the neurochemistry of suicide behavior in psychosis and its significance in the prediction of suicidal behavior.

Suicidal behaviour in first-episode non-affective psychosis: Specific risk periods and stage-related factors

Suicide is a major cause of premature death in psychosis. Earlier stages have been associated with higher risk. However, such risk periods have not been specifically determined and risk factors for suicidal behaviour may change over those periods, which may have crucial implications for suicide prevention. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the highest risk period for suicide in a representative sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Suicidal behaviour prior to first presentation of psychosis and during a 3-year follow-up was examined in a sample of 397 individuals. Risk factors for suicidal behaviour during specific time periods were investigated and compared. The greatest suicide risk was found during the month before and 2 months after first contact with psychiatric services (i.e., ‘early’ attempts). Severity of depressive symptoms and cannabis use emerged as predominant risk factors across time. ‘Early’ attempters were characterized as being male, living in urban areas, having poor premorbid adjustment, requiring hospitalization, scoring higher on anxiety measures and unusual thought content than non-attempters. Greater suspiciousness and more severe depressive symptoms distinguished the ‘late’ attempters. In conclusion, there is a specific high risk period for suicide in FEP around the time of the first presentation. Early intervention programmes targeting phase-specific risk factors, particularly psychotic symptoms management and secondary depression prevention strategies may be useful for suicide prevention in psychosis.

Evidence for an agitated–aggressive syndrome predating the onset of psychosis

BackgroundAggression and suicidality prior to the initiation of treatment are frequent phenomena in psychosis patients. Increased scores in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale Excited Component (BPRS-EC) have been shown to predict involuntary treatment, aggression, and suicide in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. However, it is unclear if an agitated–aggressive syndrome as measured with the BPRS-EC is already present in at-risk mental state (ARMS). MethodsBPRS-EC scores from 43 ARMS patients, 50 FEP patients, and 25 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to review if group differences were mediated by potential confounders. In addition, the association of BPRS-EC scores with clinical variables was examined. ResultsBPRS-EC scores were significantly different across diagnostic groups (H(2)=22.1; p<.001), and post-hoc analyses showed significantly higher BPRS-EC scores for ARMS (p=.001) and for FEP patients (p<.001) compared to HC. Differences remained significant after controlling for gender, years of education, and intelligence. No significant differences emerged between ARMS and FEP patients. BPRS-EC was significantly correlated with lower intelligence (r=−.27; p=.008), reduced level of functioning (r=−.44; p<.001), and with smoking behavior (r=.22; p=.019). ConclusionsARMS and FEP patients in our sample had significantly higher BPRS-EC scores compared to HC. This may constitute a correlate of an agitated–aggressive syndrome and an increased risk for aggression and suicidality.

Suicide in first episode psychosis: A nationwide cohort study

BackgroundRelatively little is known about suicide in diagnostic subtypes of first episode psychosis (FEP). Our aim was to assess suicide rates and potential risk factors for suicide in FEP. MethodsThis is a national register-based cohort study of patients born in 1973–1978 in Sweden and who were hospitalized with a FEP between ages 15 and 30years (n=2819). The patients were followed from date of discharge until death, emigration, or 31st of December 2008. The suicide rates for six diagnostic subtypes of FEP were calculated. Suicide incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to evaluate the association between suicide and psychiatric, familial, social, and demographic factors. ResultsIn total 121 patients died by suicide. The overall suicide rate was 4.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–5.0) per 1000person-years. The highest suicide rates were found in depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms and in delusional disorder. In an adjusted model, the strongest risk factors for suicide were self-harm (IRR 2.7, CI 1.7–4.4) or a conviction for violent crime (IRR 2.0, CI 1.3–3.2). Also having a first-degree relative with a schizophrenia/bipolar diagnosis (IRR 2.1, CI 1.2–3.6) or substance use disorder (IRR 2.0, CI 1.2–3.2) were significant risk factors for suicide. ConclusionsImpulsive behavior such as self-harm as well as having a family history of severe mental disorder or substance use are important risk factors for suicide in FEP.

484 – Depression and suicidality in first episode psychosis

A clearer understanding of the ebb and flow of depression and suicidal thinking in the early phase of psychosis, and how this relates to other symptom dimensions, is essential for developing interventions to reduce risk. The studies presented here investigate whether depression and suicidal thinking are predictable, how they relate to the early course of psychotic symptoms and develop over time. 92 patients with first episode psychosis recruited from the Birmingham Early Intervention Service completed measures of depression, including an prodromal depression, psotove and negative symptoms, self-harm, duration of untreated psychosis, insight and illness appraisals. Follow up took place over 12 months. Depression occurred in 80% of patients at one or more phase of illness; a combination of depression and suicidal thinking was present in 63%. Depression in the prodromal phase was the most significant predictor of future depression and acts of selfharm. Post psychotic depression unheralded by previous depressive episodes was rare. Depression and suicidal thinking in the acute and post psychotic phases is associated with higher levels of loss and shame, and subordination to persecutors and malevolent voices. Depression early in the emergence of a psychosis is fundamental to the development of future depression and suicidal thinking, and related to the personal significance and impact of positive symptom dimensions. Efforts to predict and reduce depression and self-harm in psychosis may need to target this early phase to reduce later risk.

Early risk factors for suicide in an epidemiological first episode psychosis cohort

Background Much remains unknown about whether there are early risk factors for suicide in psychosis. Aim The aim of the study was to determine whether there are any identifiable early symptom clusters, aetiological factors or illness course markers for suicide in first episode psychosis. Method A total of 2132 patients with first episode psychosis presenting to secondary care services in London (1965–2004; n = 1474), Nottingham (1997–1999; n = 195) and Dumfries and Galloway (1979–1998; n = 463) were traced after up to 40 years (mean 13 years) following first presentation. Risk factors were identified from the Operational Checklist for Psychotic Disorders rated for the first year following presentation. Results Overall, there were 51 suicides and 373 deaths from other causes. Male gender (RR 2.84, 95% CI 1.20–6.69, p = 0.02) and a cumulative threshold effect of symptoms early in the illness (RR 6.81, 95% CI 2.33–19.85, p < 0.001) were associated with a higher propensity for later completed suicide. There was also a suggestion that early manic symptoms might increase the risk of later suicide irrespective of initial diagnosis. Conclusion Suicide risk was associated with a cumulative threshold effect of symptoms and manic symptoms. As suicide is a relatively rare event in psychotic disorders, general population-based prevention strategies may have more impact in this vulnerable group as well as the wider population.

Suicidality in first episode psychosis is associated with insight and negative beliefs about psychosis

Introduction Suicidal behaviour is prevalent in psychotic disorders. Insight has been found to be associated with increased risk for suicidal behaviour, but not consistently. A possible explanation for this is that insight has different consequences for patients depending on their beliefs about psychosis. The present study investigated whether a relationship between insight, negative beliefs about psychosis and suicidality was mediated by depressive symptoms, and if negative beliefs about psychosis moderated the relationship between insight and suicidality in patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP). Method One hundred ninety-four FEP-patients were assessed with a clinical interview for diagnosis, symptoms, functioning, substance use, suicidality, insight, and beliefs about psychosis. Results Nearly 46% of the patients were currently suicidal. Depressive symptoms, having a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, insight, and beliefs about negative outcomes for psychosis were independently associated with current suicidality; contradicting a mediating effect of depressive symptoms. Negative beliefs about psychosis did not moderate the effect of insight on current suicidality. Conclusion The results indicate that more depressive symptoms, higher insight, and negative beliefs about psychosis increase the risk for suicidality in FEP-patients. The findings imply that monitoring insight should be part of assessing the suicide risk in patients with FEP, and that treating depression and counteracting negative beliefs about psychosis may possibly reduce the risk for suicidality.

The evolution of depression and suicidality in first episode psychosis

To have a clearer understanding of the ebb and flow of depression and suicidal thinking in the early phase of psychosis, whether these events are predictable and how they relate to the early course of psychotic symptoms. Ninety-two patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) completed measures of depression, including prodromal depression, self-harm and duration of untreated psychosis. Follow-up took place over 12 months. Depression occurred in 80% of patients at one or more phases of FEP; a combination of depression and suicidal thinking was present in 63%. Depression in the prodromal phase was the most significant predictor of future depression and acts of self-harm. Depression early in the emergence of a psychosis is fundamental to the development of future depression and suicidal thinking. Efforts to predict and reduce depression and deliberate self-harm in psychosis may need to target this early phase to reduce later risk.