After reading this article, a professional treating a patient with schizophrenia will understand the demographic and biopsychosocial factors that increase the risk for suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia, and understand when it is that the suicide risk for these patients is especially high. Psychiatrists, primary care physicians, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, social workers and other mental health care professionals. Continuing education credit is available for most specialties. To determine if this article meets the continuing education requirements of your specialty, please contact your state licensing board.
Schizophrenia is a devastating illness that affects one percent of the population.
Individuals with schizophrenia suffer from difficulty determining the reality of thoughts and perceptions. Some have difficulty expressing their ideas coherently while others simply fail to engage at all. Many of the symptoms are frightening and their mere presence is often disturbing to those suffering. Schizophrenia is typically a lifelong illness with acute exacerbations followed by periods of residual symptoms. New medications bring hope for reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.