Abstract As many as 1 out of 4 persons with schizophrenia commits suicide, some even while they are under psychiatric care. Specialists in the study of suicide outline risk factors for suicide in schizophrenic patients and the implications for preventive strategies. Suicide is a major cause of death among patients with schizophrenia, with young adulthood to midlife being the age range of greatest risk. A past history of suicide attempts is common among schizophrenic suicide victims, as are affective symptomatology and feelings of hopelessness and demoralization. Active paranoia may increase risk, whereas negative symptoms may decrease the risk of self-destructive acts in schizophrenic patients.
Many suicides occur during hospitalization or shortly after discharge.
Methodical assessment of suicidal ideation and aggressive treatment with psychological, social, and pharmacologic approaches are vital aspects of patient management. It is vital that efforts to prevent suicide in schizophrenic patients are tailored to the demographic and clinical characteristics of this population. Describing the clinical cases of 20 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who committed suicide, this review summarizes the risk factors for suicide in schizophrenia and their implications for preventive strategies. N.Y. Ms. Cholette is a medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.