Clinical variables associated with suicide attempts in schizophrenia before and after the first episode. Issue 1 (30th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Togay, Bilge; Noyan, Handan; Tasdelen, Rumeysa; Ucok, Alp
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 229:Issue 1/2(2015)
• Page Start: 252
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2015-09-30
• Subjects: First episode -- Prevention -- Risk factors of suicide -- Schizophrenia -- Suicide attempt; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate variables associated with suicide attempts in schizophrenia before and after the first episode. We evaluated history of past sucide attempts, clinical symptoms, level of functioning and cognitive performances of 172 patients with first-episode schizophrenia at first admission. Information was collected regarding clinical symptom severity, treatment compliance, and suicide attempts during the follow-up. We found that 16.5% of the patients attempted suicide before admission, and 6.2% of them attempted suicide during the follow-up. The patients who had attempted suicide before admission were mostly women, and more likely to be hospitalized in first year of follow up. BPRS-depression subscale score at admission and alcohol/substance use appeared as independent variables that found associated with suicide attempts prior to admission in logistic regression analysis. The patients who attempted suicide during the follow-up had significantly higher BPRS-depression subcale scores at sixth months of follow-up. Treatment compliance during the first 6 months and duration of remission was lower in this group. Our findings suggest that longer duration of first hospital treatment, the presence of depressive symptoms, and nonadherence to treatment in early phases of follow up after FES are predictors of suicide attempts. On the other hand, keeping remission during the follow-up protects against suicide attempts. Highlights: We evaluated variables related to suicide attempts before and after the first episode of schizophrenia. We found that 16.5% of the patients attempted suicide before first admission. Level of depression at admission and alcohol/substance use appeared are found related to suicide attempts prior to admission. Compliance to treatment in first six months of the follow up was lower in those attempted suicide during the follow up.