Schizophrenia and suicide: systematic review of risk factors

Hospital-Based Suicides: Challenging Existing Myths

Myths are widely held and often based on false beliefs. To improve patient safety and speed the translation of research to clinical practice, we highlight and then debunk 10 common myths regarding the assessment, treatment, and management of hospitalized patients at risk for suicide. Myths regarding hospital-based suicides are examined and empirical evidence that counters each myth is offered. Ten common myths regarding hospital-based suicides are found to be untrue or unsupported based on existing empirical evidence. Rethinking common beliefs and practices that lack empirical support and seeking alternatives based on research evidence is consistent with an emphasis on evidence-based practices leading to improved patient care and protection.

Recent Stressful Life Events and Suicidal Ideation in Schizophrenia: A 1-Year Follow-up Study

ABSTRACT

Half of patients with schizophrenia experience suicidal ideation. Only few studies have examined the effects of recent stress on both current and emergent suicidal ideation.A cohort of 85 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders was assessed. The study was divided into a cross-sectional and longitudinal arms to test the effect of recent stress on suicidal ideation. Analysis was done using logistic regression models.After correcting for covariates, recent stress had no significant effect on current suicidal ideation. However, increased total stress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.099 [1.032-1.170], p = 0.003) and health-related stress (OR = 1.331 [1.074-1.650], p = 0.009) at follow-up were predictive of emergent suicidal ideation.With this sample size, we were unable to draw firm conclusions regarding the effect of specific life events on suicidal ideation. Further studies involving larger samples that investigate the interplay between several risk factors are needed.

Implementation of first episode psychosis intervention in India - A case study in a low-and middle-income country

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) is a serious mental illness affecting adolescents and young persons. While many effective interventions are available, there has not been much research to understand the implementation of such interventions in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We studied the implementation of an FEP intervention program in a specialist mental health facility in Chennai, India, using a well-established framework for doing so, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We conducted 27 in-depth interviews with the service users (15 persons with FEP and 12 family caregivers of persons with FEP). We also conducted a focus group discussion with 8 service providers and in-depth interviews with 7 other service providers including those in the service management. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify emerging themes. First, we found CFIR effectively accommodated implementation challenges evident in LMICs; that is, it is transferable to LMIC settings. Second, we highlight barriers to implementation that include cost, limited human resources, cultural and professional hierarchy, divergence from evidence-based guidelines, and lack of awareness and stigma in the wider community. Third, we highlight facilitators for implementation such as, leadership engagement, the need for change that was recognized within the service, cosmopolitan perspectives derived from clinicians’ local and international collaborative experiences and expertise, compatibility of the intervention with the existing systems within the organization, accommodating the needs of the service users, and rapport developed by the service with the service users. Fourth, we propose a model of service delivery incorporating a task-sharing approach for first episode psychosis in resource restricted settings based on the feedback from the stakeholders.

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Implementation of interventions for First Episode Psychosis in India is explored systematically.

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Resource constraints, cultural factors, lack of awareness, and stigma are the main barriers to the implementation.

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Buy-in from the service providers, accommodating the needs and developing rapport with the service users are the facilitators.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Suicide in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review

Background:

Suicide is probably one of the worst potential complications for people with schizophrenia. Even though the use of antipsychotic medication is essential in reducing suicidal behaviour, the use of psychological treatments seems to be in the same way necessary. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that is constantly trying to synchronise with the latest recommendations from the research. The goal of the present work is to systematically review the scientific evidence from published studies testing the effectiveness of CBT designed to deal with suicide in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:

We searched using multiple terms related to suicide prevention based on CBT in schizophrenia. Two databases (Medline and SCOPUS) were scrutinised for the electronic search and different reference lists from previous reviews were also hand checked.

Results:

We identified 5 randomised and controlled trials of CBT that included suicide-related cognitions or behaviours as a primary outcome measure. CBT focusing on suicidal cognitions and behaviours was found to be effective in reducing suicidal ideation. As the number of studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria is small and the assessment of outcomes is heterogeneous, we did not perform a meta-analysis and we present results in a narrative way.

Conclusion:

Research on CBT focused on suicide prevention in patients with schizophrenia is promising but current evidence is notoriously insufficient. Although those therapies seemed to be efficacious in the prevention of suicide, scarcity of randomised clinical trials specifically focusing on suicide is probably the most important issue to be faced. Given the current evidence, clinicians should be familiar with CBT techniques focusing on suicidal cognitions. However, suicide prevention and treatment in those with schizophrenia is complex, and many other factors such as possible earlier use of clozapine, optimizing adherence to medication, and other psychosocial aspects should be addressed. Combination of different strategies appears to be mandatory.

Insomnia, suicidal ideation, and psychopathology in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia

OBJECTIVES

Insomnia occurs frequently in the clinical course of schizophrenia. A growing literature has found associations between insomnia, suicidal ideation, and psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia. We explored these associations in a cross-sectional study of a large sample of patients with chronic schizophrenia in China. We hypothesized that insomnia would be associated with an increased odds of current suicidal ideation and higher current psychopathology scores.

METHODS

We recruited 328 inpatients with chronic schizophrenia, all of whom were prescribed psychotropics. We investigated relationships between current insomnia, suicidal ideation over the past two weeks, and current psychopathology for subjects using regression models.

RESULTS

After controlling for multiple potential confounding factors, current insomnia was an indicator of a significant, 2.5-fold increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.10-5.95, p = 0.029). Insomnia was also a significant indicator of lifetime suicide attempt (OR = 1.07) as well as higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total (β = 0.134, p = 0.017), positive (β = 0.154, p = 0.006) and general (β = 0.145, p = 0.010) subscale scores.

CONCLUSION

Insomnia is associated with suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempt, and higher psychopathology scores in inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. Formal assessment of insomnia appears relevant to the clinical care of patients with schizophrenia as an indicator of suicidal thinking and behavior, depression, and symptom severity.

Suicidality in patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder-A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is correlated with the risk of suicidality and the extent of its effect on suicidality are unclear. The present study was conducted to elucidate the association between PMDD and suicidality from relevant studies.

METHODS

Four electronic databases, namely, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched from inception to November 15, 2020. Quality assessment, data synthesis, and sensitivity analysis were performed on the included studies.

RESULTS

Six studies with 8 532 participants were included in this meta-analysis. PMDD was associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR]=2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.50-3.18, I²=0.0%, p=0.99, k=4). Patients with PMDD had a greater risk of experiencing suicide attempt (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.05-3.21, I²=0.0%, p=0.81, k=5). PMDD was associated with an increased risk of suicidal plan (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.03-3.45, I²=0.0%, p=0.96, k=2).

LIMITATIONS

The diagnosis of PMDD should be considered "provisional" in all the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Among PMDD sufferers there would be a group of particularly suicidal women. Clinicians who treat patients with PMDD should be vigilant for signs of suicidal ideation and behavior to implement better treatment and preventive measures.

Integration of biological and psychological illness attributional belief in association with medication adherence behaviour: A path analysis

AIM

This study aimed to determine the association of biological (BAB) and psychological illness attributional beliefs (PAB) with medication adherence behaviour in patients with psychosis in Hong Kong.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 301 outpatients with psychosis in Hong Kong was conducted from August to October 2016. The survey included a set of questionnaires examining patient medication adherence behaviours (using five behavioural items from the Medication Adherence Rating Scale), illness attributional belief, insight into the illness, and attitudes towards antipsychotics and medical professionals. The associations between these variables were analysed using path analysis and adjusted for covariates of perceived social support, experience of side-effects, and gender.

RESULTS

The data fit a model in which medication adherence behaviour was associated with illness attributional belief, insight, and attitudes (chi-square = 32.33, p = .26; RMSEA = 0.02; SRMR = 0.04; and CFI = 0.97). BAB was positively and directly associated with medication adherence behaviour. PAB was positively and indirectly associated with medication adherence behaviour through insight into the illness and attitude towards medical professionals. PAB can strengthen the relationship between BAB and insight, and only the high PAB group exhibited a positive relationship between BAB and attitude towards medical professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

An integration of biological and psychological attributional beliefs in patients with psychosis is essential for better medication adherence behaviour. Future interventions should aim to modify patients' illness attributional beliefs by integrating both biological and psychological illness attribution to improve medication adherence.

Predictive waves in the autism-schizophrenia continuum: A novel biobehavioral model

The brain is a predictive machine. Converging data suggests a diametric predictive strategy from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to schizophrenic spectrum disorders (SSD). Whereas perceptual inference in ASD is rigidly shaped by incoming sensory information, the SSD population is prone to overestimate the precision of their priors' models. Growing evidence considers brain oscillations pivotal biomarkers to understand how top-down predictions integrate bottom-up input. Starting from the conceptualization of ASD and SSD as oscillopathies, we introduce an integrated perspective that ascribes the maladjustments of the predictive mechanism to dysregulation of neural synchronization. According to this proposal, disturbances in the oscillatory profile do not allow the appropriate trade-off between descending predictive signal, overweighted in SSD, and ascending prediction errors, overweighted in ASD. These opposing imbalances both result in an ill-adapted reaction to external challenges. This approach offers a neuro-computational model capable of linking predictive coding theories with electrophysiological findings, aiming to increase knowledge on the neuronal foundations of the two spectra features and stimulate hypothesis-driven rehabilitation/research perspectives.

Clinical features and psychiatric comorbidities in military veterans with schizophrenia with or without suicidality

Suicide is currently among the leading causes of death among individuals with schizophrenia. Reducing mortality from suicide remains a major clinical challenge in the care of veterans with schizophrenia. There is a need to increase our understanding of what elevates suicide risk in veterans with schizophrenia as a first step towards the future development of suicide prevention interventions. This study compared demographic and clinical features of military veterans with schizophrenia with vs. without suicidality to determine specific risk factors for suicidality. The sample consisted of two groups of veterans with schizophrenia: suicide ideators and/or attempters (SIA) and individuals without a history of suicidal ideation or attempts (no-SIA). Participants were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I disorders (SCID-I), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). In bivariate analyses, the PANSS-Positive Symptom scores, PANSS-General Psychopathology scores, HDRS total score, HDRS-Paranoid symptoms item score, and SPQ total scores were higher among SIA compared with no-SIA patients. In this unique clinical sample of veterans with schizophrenia, SIA patients were more likely to have mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or alcohol use disorder in comparison to the no-SIA group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the HDRS total score and presence/absence of comorbid mood disorder drive the difference between the groups. These results indicate that suicide risk assessment in veterans with schizophrenia should include identifying individuals with comorbid mood disorders/symptoms, PTSD, alcohol use disorder, marked positive symptoms, and schizotypal features.

Understanding the Influence of Personality Traits on Risk of Suicidal Behaviour in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

Risk of suicidal behaviour (SB) in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is a major concern, particularly in early stages of the illness, when suicide accounts for a high number of premature deaths. Although some risk factors for SB in SSD are well understood, the extent to which personality traits may affect this risk remains unclear, which may have implications for prevention. We conducted a systematic review of previous studies indexed in MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase examining the relationship between personality traits and SB in samples of patients with SSD. Seven studies fulfilled predetermined selection criteria. Harm avoidance, passive-dependent, schizoid and schizotypal personality traits increased the risk of SB, while self-directedness, cooperativeness, excluding persistence and self-transcendence acted as protective factors. Although only seven studies were retrieved from three major databases after applying predetermined selection criteria, we found some evidence to support that personality issues may contribute to SB in patients with SSD. Personality traits may therefore become part of routine suicide risk assessment and interventions targeting these personality-related factors may contribute to prevention of SB in SSD.

Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia: A case series

Suicide/parasuicide is seen at a greater rate in schizophrenia than in the general population, yet the psychological basis of this risk is poorly understood. It is estimated that 10% of patients suffering from schizophrenia attempt suicide. The major risk factors implicated are male gender, chronic illness with multiple relapses, family history of suicide, past suicidal and impulsive behavior, negative attitude toward treatment, and concurrent substance use. Treatment must target the identified risk factors for prevention of suicide in these patients. Here, we discuss three cases with self-inflicted cuts over the anterior aspect of the neck and wrists. They were diagnosed to have paranoid schizophrenia and were treated with antipsychotics, on which they showed improvement.

Suicide prevention in psychiatric patients

An increased risk of suicide has been reported for psychiatric patients. In several world regions, an underlying psychiatric disorder is reported in up to 90% of people who die from suicide, though this rate seems to be considerably lower in low- and middle-income countries. Major psychiatric conditions associated with suicidality are mood disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Comorbidity between different disorders is frequently associated with a higher suicide risk. A history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, impulsivity and aggression, adverse childhood experiences, severe psychopathology, and somatic disorders are common risk factors for suicide among psychiatric patients. Stressful life events and interpersonal problems, including interpersonal violence, are often triggers. A comprehensive and repeated suicide risk assessment represents the first step for effective suicide prevention. Particular attention should be paid during and after hospitalization, with the first days and weeks after discharge representing the most critical period. Pharmacological treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia has been shown to have an anti-suicidal effect. A significant reduction of suicidal thoughts and behavior has been reported for cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Brief interventions, including psychoeducation and follow-ups, are associated with a decrease in suicide deaths. Further development of suicide prevention in psychiatric patients will require a better understanding of additional risk and protective factors, such as the role of a person's decision-making capacity and social support, the role of spiritual and religious interventions, and the reduction of the treatment gap in mental health care.

A systematic review of suicide and suicide attempts in adolescents with psychotic disorders

BACKGROUND

Suicide is the main cause of premature death in patients with psychosis. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to review suicide in adolescents with psychotic disorders by evaluating factors associated with suicidal acts. Ours is the first systematic review of suicide in this population.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review of suicide in adolescents (10 to 19 years) with psychotic disorder.

RESULTS

We identified 10 studies, only 2 of which were randomized clinical trials. The results revealed high rates of suicidal behaviour in this population: the times of higher risk were the time before admission and the period immediately following discharge. The factors most associated with suicide attempts were depression, distress with psychotic symptoms, fewer negative symptoms at baseline, positive symptoms, and anxiety disorders. Associated factors included previous psychiatric history or psychiatric admissions, female sex, prior suicidal behaviour, family history of completed suicide, and nicotine dependence.

LIMITATIONS

Clinical and methodological diversity of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with psychotic disorders had a major risk of suicidal behaviour, and specific factors were associated with the act. Early detection of adolescents with psychosis is vital, since it has been found that early intervention can prevent suicidal acts in young people. However, it is necessary to perform more studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, on suicide and suicide attempts, particularly in adolescents.

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

BACKGROUND

Suicide 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.

METHODS

One 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.

RESULTS

Follow-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.

CONCLUSIONS

The 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.

Self-harm, suicidal ideation, and the positive symptoms of psychosis: Cross-sectional and prospective data from a national household survey

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is associated with premature mortality, partly through increased suicide rates.

AIMS

To examine (1) if persecutory ideas, auditory hallucinations, and probable cases of psychosis are associated with suicidal thoughts or attempts cross-sectionally and prospectively, and (2) if such links are mediated by specific affective factors (depression, impulsivity, mood instability).

METHOD

We analysed the 2000, 2007, and 2014 British Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys (APMS) separately. Measures of psychosis provided independent variables for multi-stage logistic regressions, with suicidal thoughts and attempts as dependent variables. We also conducted analyses to assess mediation by affective variables, and longitudinal analyses on a subset of the 2000 dataset.

RESULTS

In every dataset, persecutory ideas, auditory hallucinations and probable psychosis were associated cross-sectionally with lifetime suicidal attempts and thoughts, even after controlling for confounders, with a single exception (persecutory ideation and suicide attempts were unconnected in APMS 2014). Cross-sectional associations between auditory hallucinations and suicidal phenomena were moderated by persecutory ideation. In the 2000 follow-up, initial persecutory ideas were associated with later suicidal thoughts (O.R. 1.77, p < 0.05); there were no other longitudinal associations. In the 2007 and 2014 datasets, mood instability mediated the effects of psychotic phenomena on suicidality more strongly than impulsivity; depression was also an important mediator. There were appreciable direct effects of positive symptoms on suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving psychotic symptoms and ameliorating co-morbid distress may in itself be effective in reducing suicidal risk in schizophrenia. Given their potential mediating role, mood instability and depression may also be targets for intervention.

Comparison of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics With Oral Antipsychotics and Suicide and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Schizophrenia

IMPORTANCE

Schizophrenia is generally considered to be among the most severe psychiatric disorders because of the excessive mortality associated with it. Research to find means to reduce this excessive mortality is warranted.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) with all-cause, natural-cause, and suicide mortality risks as well as the impacts of early use of LAIs in patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to construct a population-based cohort of patients with schizophrenia who received oral antipsychotics (OAPs) from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2017. Within this cohort, the LAI group was defined as patients who switched to LAIs and were prescribed LAIs at least 4 times within 1 year. The LAI group was propensity matched 1:1 to patients who continued receiving OAPs of the same compounds. All patients were followed up until switching the antipsychotic administration route, death, or the end of the study (December 31, 2018), whichever occurred first. Data analysis was performed from January 2002 to December 2018.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

All-cause mortality, natural-cause mortality, suicide mortality, and suicide attempts.

RESULTS

In total, 2614 patients who switched to LAIs (median [interquartile range] {IQR} age, 30 [23-39] years) and 2614 who received OAPs (median [IQR] age, 30 [23-39] years) were included (1333 male patients [51.0%] in each group). During the 16-year follow-up period (median [IQR] follow-up of 14 [10-17] years), patients who switched to LAIs had lower risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54-0.81), natural-cause mortality (aHR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52-0.76), and suicide attempts (incidence rate ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93) compared with patients who received the corresponding OAPs. A 47% lower suicide mortality risk (aHR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30-0.92) was observed in patients who switched to LAIs within the first 2 years of OAP initiation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that LAI use in patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia is associated with decreased all-cause mortality and suicide risk. Furthermore, early treatment with LAIs within the first 2 years of OAP initiation was associated with a decrease in suicide mortality risk. Thus, LAI use in the early stage of treatment should be actively considered for patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia.

Psychotropic medicine beliefs, side effects and adherence in schizophrenia: a patient-caregiver dyad perspective

Background Medication adherence is essential in the management of schizophrenia. Yet poor treatment uptake has negative consequences on patients and their primary caregivers. Objective To examine the association among beliefs about psychotropic medications, side effects and adherence from a patient-caregiver dyad perspective. Setting This study was conducted in a public psychiatric hospital setting in Accra, Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 patient-caregiver dyads using an interviewer-administered data collection approach.Main outcome measure Beliefs about medicines, side-effects and medication adherence. Results The patient and caregiver-reported level of medication adherence was 28.1 %. Using the Kappa index, the level of agreement between the responses of patients and their caregivers ranged from slight to moderate. Both patients and caregivers rated necessity higher than concern (patients: 1.67 ± 0.84, caregiver: 1.79 ± 0.96). Significant positive relations between specific-necessity, necessity-concerns differential and medication adherence were recorded while specific-concern, general harm and side-effects correlated negatively with medication adherence from the dyad. The odds of adhering to medications increased by 58 and 64 % for each unit increase in specific-necessity and general overuse scores respectively. However, a unit increase in specific-concern score and high side-effects scores were associated with lower odds of adherence. Conclusions This study highlights the need for patient-caregiver collaborations in decision-making relating to medication adherence in schizophrenia. Thus, in clinical practice, there is the need to recognize that caregivers are essential partners, and patient-caregiver views about psychotropic medications are critical in enhancing adherence for positive mental health outcomes.

A comparison of depressive symptom profiles between current major depressive disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder

INTRODUCTION

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and clinically relevant in schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) patients. So far, little is known about to what extent the depressive symptom profile in SSD is comparable to that seen in major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

Data were derived from the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study (GROUP) and the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). We examined differences in severity of depressive symptom profiles and distribution of mood/cognition and somatic/vegetative depressive symptoms using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report (QIDS-SR) within SSD patients (n = 449), MDD patients (n = 816) and healthy controls (n = 417), aged 18 to 50. Within SSD, associations between depression severity and clinical and demographic data were examined.

RESULTS

60.4% of SSD patients showed substantial depressive symptomatology (QIDS-SR≥6). The difference in mood/cognition symptoms between SSD and MDD was larger (higher symptoms in MDD, effect size = 1.13), than the differences in somatic/vegetative symptoms (effect size 0.74). In patients with SSD, multivariable regression analyses showed that lower social functioning, male gender, use of benzodiazepine and more severe positive symptoms were associated with higher overall depressive symptomatology. The use of antipsychotics or antidepressants was associated with more somatic/vegetative symptoms.

CONCLUSION

More than half of SSD patients have considerable depressive symptomatology, with a relative preponderance of somatic/vegetative symptoms compared to the profile seen in MDD. Future research could explore whether depressive symptom profile in SSD may also be associated with biological dysregulations like in MDD.

Suicidal ideation in schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary mental hospital in North-East India

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality in schizophrenia. The study attempts to find an association of suicidal ideation, a less studied entity than suicide attempt, with various sociodemographic and clinical profiles in patients with schizophrenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study involving 140 patients diagnosed as schizophrenia. Sociodemographic and clinical profiles were collected using a semi-structured proforma. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, InterSePT Scale for Suicidal Thinking, and Drug Attitude Inventory-10 were applied to assess psychopathology, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideas, and attitude toward psychotropics, respectively. The analysis was done using appropriate statistics.

RESULTS

Majority of the study sample were Hindus, male, unmarried, literate, unemployed, and belonging from lower socioeconomic class. About 25.7% attempted suicide earlier and 29.3% currently have suicidal ideation. A previous suicide attempt, family history of psychiatric illness and that of suicide and comorbid substance use, significantly predicted (p < 0.05) a current suicidal ideation. Ideation has also been found to be significantly correlated to comorbid depression and the positive, negative, emotional, and excitement domains of schizophrenic psychopathology.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows suicidal ideations in schizophrenia patients to be significantly related to schizophrenic psychopathology and comorbid depression, thus calling for a holistic management in preventing a fatal outcome.

Clozapine Is Better Tolerated in Younger Patients: Risk Factors for Discontinuation from a Nationwide Database in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness of clozapine is clearly superior to other antipsychotics in the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. Clozapine leads to various side effects, and therefore many patients are forced to discontinue. In this study, we analyzed the registry database of all cases in Japan to identify risk factors for discontinuation of clozapine.

METHODS

The Clozaril patient monitoring service® (CPMS) database from July 31, 2009 to January 26, 2020 was acquired. We defined the following exclusion criteria: patients who had ever taken clozapine by a non-CPMS method, such as an individual import or clinical trial, patients who did not receive clozapine after being enrolled in CPMS, and patients with initial doses other than 12.5 mg (outside the current protocol). Therefore, all patients in this study are new users. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent risk factors associated with time to discontinuation of clozapine.

RESULTS

We identified 8,263 patients as the study population. Clozapine discontinuation was significantly associated with age 40 and older [hazard ratio (HR)=1.66, p<0.001], intolerance to olanzapine (HR=1.31, p=0.018), previous treatment with clozapine (HR=1.30, p=0.001), and leukocyte counts <6,000/mm3 (HR=1.24, p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curves for clozapine discontinuation by age group revealed that older age at the time of clozapine introduction tended to have lower continuation rates.

CONCLUSION

Careful administration is important because patients with these factors have a high risk of discontinuation. In addition, the initiation of clozapine during the younger period was more effective and more tolerated.

The Importance of Suicide Risk Formulation in Schizophrenia

Suicide is a cause of early mortality in nearly 5% of patients with schizophrenia, and 25-50% of patients with schizophrenia attempt suicide in their lifetime. Evidence points to numerous individual, clinical, social, and psychological risk factors for suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Although recognizing suicidal risk factors in schizophrenia is extremely important in suicidal risk assessment, we have recently witnessed a change in suicide risk management that shifts the focus from suicide risk assessment to suicide risk formulation. Suicide risk formulation is dependent on the data gathered in the suicide risk assessment and assigns a level of suicide risk that is indispensable for the choice of treatment and the management of patients with a high suicidal risk. In this article, we extend the suicide risk formulation model to patients with schizophrenia. Suicide risk formulation results from four different areas that help clinicians collect as much information as possible for the management of suicidal risk. The four distinct judgments comprise risk status (the risk relating to the specific group to which the patient belongs), risk state (the risk for the person compared with his baseline or another reference point in the course of his life), available resources (on whom the person can count during a crisis) and foreseeable events (which can exacerbate the crisis). In schizophrenia, the suicide risk formulation model allows the clinician to evaluate in depth the clinical context of the patient, the patient's own history and patient-specific opportunities for better choosing and applying suicide prevention strategies.

The Relationship Between Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia and Suicidal Behaviour: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

We aim to systematically review evidence for a relationship between antipsychotic-induced akathisia and suicidal behaviour, in order to guide further clinical decision making in this area.

METHODS

Several electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Cochrane and PsychINFO) were systemically searched for articles published up to February 2021, using search terms related to akathisia, antipsychotics and suicidal behaviour. Two reviewers independently evaluated all the relevant studies using predetermined criteria and assessed the risk of bias for each included study. The systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA methodology and reporting.

RESULTS

Following de-duplication, screening and application of exclusion criteria, four eligible studies were identified. All of the available studies were in English and included adult patients. Nevertheless, there was significant variability regarding methodology and overall quality was deemed low due to small sample sizes. There was insufficient data to perform statistical analyses of the results. Of the four studies, two found a weak correlation between antipsychotic-related akathisia and suicidal behaviour, a finding that was not supported by the remaining two studies.

CONCLUSION

The search yielded very few studies for inclusion. On the basis of the existing evidence, akathisia cannot be reliably linked to the presence of suicidal behaviour in patients treated with antipsychotic medication. However, proactive screening for emerging suicidal behaviour in this vulnerable patient group is advisable. Our findings highlight the pressing need for further research in this area.

Suicide Attempts, Neurocognitive Dysfunctions and Clinical Correlates in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Schizophrenia Patients

Background: Suicide is a common and complex symptom of schizophrenia that may be related to clinical variables and neurocognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the associated correlates of suicide attempts in Chinese middle-aged and elderly inpatients with schizophrenia, including demographic and clinical characteristics and cognitive level, which has not yet been reported. Methods: A total of 426 schizophrenia inpatients were recruited for this study. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Neurocognitive function was measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Results: The prevalence of suicide attempts in middle-aged and elderly Chinese schizophrenia patients was 13.3%. Female patients had a higher suicide rate than male patients. Patients with suicide attempts had significantly higher PANSS-positive subscores, depressive subscores, and RBANS-story recall than non-attempter patients (all p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed that gender, positive subscore, depressive subscore and RBANS-story recall (OR = 1.10-2.19, p < 0.05) were independently associated with suicide attempts in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients. Conclusions: Our study showed that the rate of suicide attempts in Chinese middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients is high. Compared to non-attempters, there are less cognitive impairments, more clinical symptoms, and more female patients in the suicide attempters.

Suicide Behavior and Its Predictors in Patients with Schizophrenia in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

People with schizophrenia (PWS) are at greater risk of suicide. However, suicide behaviors that occur in PWS are often overlooked, inadequately characterized, and not consistently integrated into treatment. Despite this burden and consequences in Ethiopia, there is a dearth of studies concerning suicide behavior in PWS. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the magnitude of suicide behavior and its predictors among PWS in Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution based cross-sectional study was employed. Data were collected using the structured interviewer-administered questionnaire from a sample of 300 PWS at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital (AMSH). The revised version of Suicide Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-R) was used to assess suicide behavior in PWS. The data was collected from March 1 to 30, 2019. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of suicidal behavior at 95% confidence level. Statistical significance was declared at p value <0.05.

RESULT

A total of 300 patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. More than two-thirds of 203 (67.7%) of the participants were males, and 116 (38.7%) participants were between the ages of 28 and 37 years. We found that the prevalence of suicide behavior among PWS was 30.3%. Being unemployed (AOR = 3.65, CI = 1.32, 10.05), family history of suicide (AOR = 3.16, CI = 1.38, 7.23), substance use (AOR = 2.51, CI = 1.13, 5.59), current positive psychotic symptoms (hallucination (AOR = 6.39, CI = 2.86, 14.29), and delusion (AOR = 4.15, CI = 1.95, 14.29) and presence of comorbid depression (AOR = 4.81, CI = 1.98, 11.68) were independent significant predictors with suicidal behavior in PWS.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of suicidal behavior among PWS was found to be high. Hence, designing strategies for early screening and intervention is the most critical prevention strategy of suicide in PWS.

Rate and predictors of interrupted patient follow-up after first-episode psychosis - a retrospective cohort study in France

BACKGROUND

Patient adherence to follow-up after a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is currently a major challenge. Patient's early adherence reduces the risk of relapse and improves their prognosis in the short and long term. The primary goal of our study was to determine the incidence of treatment disengagement at 1-year follow-up in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder. The secondary goal was to assess the factors associated with treatment disengagement in this patient population.

METHODS

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of 136 patients in France. Relevant information was collected on sociodemographic, pre-morbidities and co-morbidities data, as well as the management and treatment characteristics at 1.3 and 12 months. Survival analysis was used to assess the association between clinical variables, management and treatment disengagement.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (62%) have interrupted their medical follow-up at 1 year, 16% at 1 month and 34% at 3 months. A higher number of out-patient appointments after a FEP was associated with better adherence (HR:0.85 p < .0001 95% IC = [0.0-0.9]). Initial management seems to play an important role. Involuntary admissions (HR:7.14 p = .015 95% IC = [1.48-34.52]) and total number of admissions (HR:6.86 p < .0001 95% IC = [2.47-19.05]) predict disengagement at 1 month while an increased number of out-patient appointments at 3 months predicts adherence (HR:0.60 p < .0001 95% IC = [0.00-0.74]). Being a single parent is associated with disengagement at 3 months (HR:15.51 p = .022 95% IC = [1.49-161.65]).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of disengagement is high. It might be necessary to change our management in order to develop out-patient or day-admission care and intensify care for patients at risk.

Psychological resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in people with schizophrenia diagnoses : A systematic literature review

PURPOSE

Suicide deaths are a major concern in people with schizophrenia diagnoses. However, many people with such diagnoses do not attempt suicide, nor die by suicide, suggesting that some individuals are resilient to the impact of suicide triggers. This systematic literature review aimed to (1) appraise the evidence for psychological factors which confer resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and (2) categorize these psychological factors into broader psychological constructs which characterize resilience.

METHODS

The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for the reporting of systematic reviews. A literature search of four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE) was conducted. A quality evaluation of the included studies was carried out by two independent researchers using a quality assessment tool.

RESULTS

Psychological factors from 27 studies were categorized into four constructs: (1) perceived social support, (2) holding religious and spiritual beliefs, (3) identifying reasons for living, and (4) perceived positive personal skills and attributes.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited literature showed that resilience is important in understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviours in people with schizophrenia diagnoses. There is a need for prospective research that investigates moderating effects of psychological resilience in the pathways to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in people with schizophrenia diagnoses.

PRACTITIONER POINTS

Novel evidence for four psychological constructs which may confer resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in people with schizophrenia diagnoses. Strong evidence for the impact of perceived social support and appraisals of personal skills and attributes on the severity of suicidal experiences in people with schizophrenia diagnoses. There was equivocal evidence for the effect of holding religious and spiritual beliefs on suicide attempts. Clinical practice would benefit from assessing perceived personal attributes and levels of social support from significant others and health professionals.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors present in schizophrenic patients with depressive symptomatology. The sample comprised of 76 respondents diagnosed with schizophrenia. In the study, we used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 30%. The mean scores on the negative subscale of the PANSS were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia and depression compared to control group (U=3.64, p=0.00), and so were those on the General Psychopathology Scale (U=4.91, p=0.00). Socio-demographic factors were identified as important factors (p<0.05). Personal and environmental factors such as loneliness, immediate social environment, social support and isolation were statistically significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). There was a correlation of poor compliance with psycho-pharmacotherapy, increased number of hospitalizations and shorter remission period with the severity of clinical presentation (p<0.05). Since the presence of these factors is associated with depression in schizophrenia, their early detection in clinical practice is vital to ensure timely prevention of the development of depressive symptomatology.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Institutionalized Patients with Schizophrenia

Purpose

The shorter life expectancy and increased risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia have been well documented. However, study outcomes on suicidality in this special population have been few to date. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation in a population of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Two hundred fifty-six patients with schizophrenia between the age of 18 and 65 years were randomly recruited. This cross-sectional study utilised the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS-AH). Univariate analysis was performed using an independent t-test or chi-square test, followed by binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with increased suicidal risks.

Results

The socio-demographic factors associated with suicidal ideation included level of education (p=0.039); secondary-level education (OR=5.76, 95% CI:1.49, 22.34, p=0.011) and tertiary-level education (OR=9.30, 95% CI: 1.80, 48.12, p=0.008) posed a greater risk. A history of attempted suicide (OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.36, p=0.049) and the presence of co-morbid physical illnesses (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.21, p=0.044) were also found to be associated with a suicidal ideation. Other significant factors associated with suicidal thoughts were concurrent depression (OR=9.68, 95% CI: 3.74, 25.05, p<0.001) and a higher PSYRATS score in emotional characteristics of auditory hallucinations (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.21, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Suicide in schizophrenia appears to be more closely associated with certain socio-demographic factors and affective symptoms. Appropriate screening and treatment addressing these challenges must be emphasized if suicidal thoughts and actions are to be reduced.

[Suicidality in schizophrenic psychosis: a current overview]

BACKGROUND

Suicidality in schizophrenic psychosis is an important topic but stands in clinical everyday work behind the perception of suicide especially in affective disorders. Schizophrenic psychosis is recognized as an independent risk factor for suicide attempts and suicides, whereas it poses particular challenges to the clinical professional due to the frequent unpredictability, abruptness and brutality of the methods used. For this reason, the suicide of a psychotic patient often leaves the professional and non-professional environment disturbed.

AIMS

An overview of the existing relevant literature on suicide in psychosis is given. Explanations on the psychodynamics, indications on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy and considerations on prevention round off this article and provide an up to date overview of this topic for clinicians.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search was carried out in PubMed and Google scholar using the terms "suicide", "suicidality", "schizophrenia", "suicide AND schizophrenia", "suicide AND psychosis", "suicidality AND schizophrenia", "suicidality AND psychosis", "suicidality AND psychosis AND prevention", "suicide AND psychosis AND prevention", "suicidality AND schizophrenia AND prevention", "suicide AND schizophrenia AND prevention".

CONCLUSION

Clinicians must have knowledge of the specific risk factors for suicide in psychotic patients, the characteristics of suicide in terms of design and temporal connection with treatment. The exploration and assessment of suicidality is often more difficult in psychotic patients than in affective or personality disorder patients, as there are often impulsive suicide attempts that can be explained by (suddenly occurring) psychotic symptoms and are therefore difficult or even impossible to foresee.

Prediction of Suicide-Related Events by Analyzing Electronic Medical Records from PTSD Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Around 800,000 people worldwide die from suicide every year and it’s the 10th leading cause of death in the US. It is of great value to build a mathematic model that can accurately predict suicide especially in high-risk populations. Several different ML-based models were trained and evaluated using features obtained from electronic medical records (EMRs). The contribution of each feature was calculated to determine how it impacted the model predictions. The best-performing model was selected for analysis and decomposition. Random forest showed the best performance with true positive rates (TPR) and positive predictive values (PPV) of greater than 80%. The use of Sertraline, Fentanyl, Aripiprazole, Lamotrigine, and Tramadol were strong indicators for no SREs within one year. The use of Haloperidol, Trazodone and Citalopram, a diagnosis of autistic disorder, schizophrenic disorder, or substance use disorder at the time of a diagnosis of both PTSD and bipolar disorder, predicted the onset of SREs within one year. Additional features with potential protective or hazardous effects for SREs were identified by the model. We constructed an ML-based model that was successful in identifying patients in a subpopulation at high-risk for SREs within a year of diagnosis of both PTSD and bipolar disorder. The model also provides feature decompositions to guide mechanism studies. The validation of this model with additional EMR datasets will be of great value in resource allocation and clinical decision making.

Epidemiological status of suicide in the Middle East and North Africa countries (MENA) from 1990 to 2017

Background

Suicide is proposed as an important and growing issue in public health. The aim of this study is to compare suicide load in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries in order to pave the way for correct health policy making.

Methods

The population included 21 MENA countries. The data of Global Burden of Diseases in 2017 that estimate death rate for 264 causes was used. The GBD considers suicide according to definition of the ninth and tenth editions of the international classification of diseases as death due to poisoning or intentional self-injury. All suicide-related analyzes were evaluated using these indicators in excel 2016.

Results

The highest percentage of total suicide DALY attributable to risk factors of Alcohol and drug use are related to United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan countries, respectively. Iran is the sole country without suicide DALY attributable to alcohol consumption risk factor. Moroccan women and Libya, Afghanistan and Yemen men have the highest DALY rates in terms of ASR in the region, respectively. Suicide incidence have an increasing trend until the age group of 20–24 and then a decreasing trend. This trend is on the rise again since the age of 65.

Discussion

The necessity to improve social, cultural and economic factors along with effective measures on suicide prevention especially among low and middle income countries, performing more studies and precise registration of the cases especially in the areas that suicide is considered social stigma and crime should be considered as high agenda in national and regional strategies.

An 18-month longitudinal study of suicidality in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Suicide kills over 30,000 people annually in the US. Schizophrenia increases the risk, even in psychiatric populations. Identifying high-risk groups within this patient population is central to suicide prevention. We tested the effects of known and putative risk factors for suicide in a clinically recognizable population with symptoms of schizophrenia and unstable illness.

METHODS

We studied 1439 subjects with schizophrenia participating in the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Treatment for Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) trial and followed for 18 months. The dependent variable was moderate to severe self-reported suicidal thinking and self-reported suicide attempts. The independent variables comprised potential risk factors for suicidality including measures of clinical change during follow-up. Proportional hazards models of time to first suicidality generated bivariate and multivariate hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

Altogether 96 patients (7.6%) experienced moderate to severe suicidality in the course of 18 months. Multivariate analyses showed that baseline moderate or severe suicidality was the strongest correlate of subsequent moderate or severe suicidality (HR 5.1). An increase in a subject's depression score during follow-up was also independently and strongly associated with suicidality (HR 3.5). A change in psychotic symptoms was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and despair may be more important risk factors for suicidality among people with schizophrenia than psychotic decompensation. Strategies for prevention that seek to identify groups at high risk of suicide should focus on these variables, as well as the effect of prior suicidality.

Sex, Gender, and Suicidal Behavior

This chapter reviews gender differences in suicide, commonly known as the gender paradox in suicide. While men are more likely to complete suicide, suicide attempts are more frequent in women. Although there are exceptions, this paradox occurs in most countries over the world, and it is partially explained by the preference of men for more lethal methods. Nevertheless, there are differences in the known risk factors for suicide between men and women, and this chapter summarizes the more relevant findings for the gender paradox. Apart from previous attempts, which still is the strongest predictor of death by suicide, with a higher rate in males than in females, we will emphasize in the role of male depression. It is commonly recognized that over 90% of people who die by suicide had a psychiatric diagnosis, mostly depression, and male depression seems to be a distinct clinical phenotype challenging to recognize, which might contribute to the gender paradox. Finally, in light of all the information reviewed, some recommendations on prevention of suicide from a gender perspective in the clinical setting will be made.

Predictors of suicide at time of diagnosis in schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A 20-year total population study in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a major cause of mortality for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Understanding the risk factors for suicide at time of diagnosis can aid clinicians in identifying people at risk.

METHODS

Records from linked administrative health databases in Ontario, Canada were used to identify individuals aged 16 through 45 years who received a first lifetime diagnosis of SSD (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)) using a validated algorithm between 01/01/1993 and 12/31/2010. The main outcome was death by suicide following cohort entry until 12/31/2012.

OUTCOMES

75,989 individuals with a first SSD diagnosis (60.1% male, 39.9% female) were followed for an average of 9.56 years. During this period, 1.71% of the total sample (72.1% male, 27.9% female) died by suicide, after an average of 4.32 years. Predictors of suicide death included male sex (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.76-2.27), age at diagnosis between 26 and 35 (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.45) or 36-45 (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.54), relative to 16-25, and suicide attempt (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.86-2.66), drug use disorder (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.41), mood disorder diagnosis (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17-1.50), or mental health hospitalization (HR 1.30 95% CI 1.13-1.49) in the 2 years prior to SSD diagnosis.

INTERPRETATION

Death by suicide occurs in 1 out of every 58 individuals and occurred early following first diagnosis of SSD. Psychiatric hospitalizations, mood disorder diagnoses, suicide attempts prior to SSD diagnosis, as well as a later age at first diagnosis, are all predictors of suicide and should be integrated into clinical assessment of suicide risk in this population.

The neurobiology of suicide in psychosis: A systematic review

The lifetime risk of dying by suicide in schizophrenia and related psychoses has been estimated to be approximately between 5% and 7%, though some have estimated that the number is closer to 10%. The highest risk for suicide occurs within the first year after presentation, when patients have a 12 times greater risk of dying by suicide than the general population, or a 60% higher risk compared with patients in other phases of psychosis, although the risk continues for many years. Some 31% of all deaths in first and early episode samples are due to suicide. Studies in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR) or with attenuated positive symptoms also demonstrate that suicidality is common and problematic in these individuals. Therefore, suicide in psychosis is a particularly severe problem. In order to develop interventions aimed at reducing the risk of suicide in psychotic individuals, it will be critical to understand the neurobiology of suicide in psychosis. In this paper, I report on the results of a systematic review of the work done to date on the neurobiology of suicide in psychosis and on suicidality in the CHR period. I will also identify gaps in knowledge and discuss future strategies for studying the neurobiology of suicidality in psychosis that may help to disentangle the links between suicide and psychosis and, by doing so, allow us to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between suicide and psychosis, which is critical for developing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of suicide in psychotic individuals.

Suicidal Ideation in Patients Experiencing a First-episode Psychosis: Findings From the 2-Year Follow-up of the "Parma Early Psychosis" Program

OBJECTIVE

Although suicide behavior is relevant in first-episode psychosis (FEP), little is known about suicidal ideation and its longitudinal stability. The aim of this study was (1) to assess incidence rates of suicide attempts, completed suicide, and suicidal thinking in FEP individuals at baseline and over a 24-month follow-up period; (2) to explore any significant association of suicidal ideation with psychopathology at baseline; and (3) to monitor longitudinally suicidal thinking along the 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

Participants (134 FEP patients, aged 13-54 years) were assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to calculate cumulative incidence rates of attempted and completed suicide was also performed.

RESULTS

FEP patients showed a 31.3% percentage of suicidal ideation (i.e., BPRS item 4 cutoff score of ≥ 3) and a 2-year cumulative incidence rate of attempted suicide of 11%. No completed suicide was found. In the FEP total sample, suicidal thinking was positively correlated with general psychopathology (especially depression) and negative symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicidal ideation is relevant in FEP patients, supporting a routine monitoring of suicide risk during the baseline assessment of adolescents and adults with early psychosis.

A psychological intervention for suicide applied to non-affective psychosis: the CARMS (Cognitive AppRoaches to coMbatting Suicidality) randomised controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading cause of death globally. Suicide deaths are elevated in those experiencing severe mental health problems, including schizophrenia. Psychological talking therapies are a potentially effective means of alleviating suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. However, talking therapies need to i) focus on suicidal experiences directly and explicitly, and ii) be based on testable psychological mechanisms. The Cognitive AppRoaches to coMbatting Suicidality (CARMS) project is a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) which aims to investigate both the efficacy and the underlying mechanisms of a psychological talking therapy for people who have been recently suicidal and have non-affective psychosis.

METHODS

The CARMS trial is a two-armed single-blind RCT comparing a psychological talking therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Suicide Prevention for psychosis [CBSPp]) plus Treatment As Usual (TAU) with TAU alone. There are primary and secondary suicidality outcome variables, plus mechanistic, clinical, and health economic outcomes measured over time. The primary outcome is a measure of suicidal ideation at 6 months after baseline. The target sample size is 250, with approximately 125 randomised to each arm of the trial, and an assumption of up to 25% attrition. Hence, the overall recruitment target is up to 333. An intention to treat analysis will be used with primary stratification based on National Health Service (NHS) recruitment site and antidepressant prescription medication. Recruitment will be from NHS mental health services in the North West of England, UK. Participants must be 18 or over; be under the care of mental health services; have mental health problems which meet ICD-10 non-affective psychosis criteria; and have experienced self-reported suicidal thoughts, plans, and/or attempts in the 3 months prior to recruitment. Nested qualitative work will investigate the pathways to suicidality, experiences of the therapy, and identify potential implementation challenges beyond a trial setting as perceived by numerous stake-holders.

DISCUSSION

This trial has important implications for countering suicidal experiences for people with psychosis. It will provide definitive evidence about the efficacy of the CBSPp therapy; the psychological mechanisms which lead to suicidal experiences; and provide an understanding of what is required to implement the intervention into services should it be efficacious.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03114917), 14th April 2017. ISRCTN (reference ISRCTN17776666 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17776666); 5th June 2017). Registration was recorded prior to participant recruitment commencing.

Suicide attempts in Chinese Han patients with schizophrenia: cognitive, demographic, and clinical variables

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the lifetime suicide attempt rate, clinical characteristics and cognitive function of Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia who had attempted suicide.

METHODS

We collected data from 908 schizophrenia inpatients about suicide attempts through interviews with the patients and their families, as well as through medical records. All patients were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side Effects, the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, and the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.

RESULTS

Of this sample, 97 (10.68%) had attempted suicide. Patients who had attempted suicide were younger, had longer illness duration, and more severe general psychopathology and depressive symptoms than those who had not. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that suicide attempts were correlated with age, smoking, and depression. No cognitive performance differences were observed between patients who had and had not attempted suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

In China, patients with chronic schizophrenia may have a higher prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts than the general population. Some demographic and clinical variables were related to suicide attempts in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

The Mediator Effect of Meaningfulness on the Relationship Between Schizotypy Traits and Suicidality

Introduction: Previous studies have found that schizotypy can predict suicide, and that meaningfulness has influential effects on suicidality in the general population. However, it is still not clear whether meaningfulness is associated with suicidality in individuals with schizotypy. The aim of this study was to assess the mediating effects of meaningfulness in the relationship between schizotypy and suicidality.

Method: We recruited 2,615 university students (including undergraduates and postgraduates; mean age = 18.35, SD = 0.81; males, 39%) to participate in our study, and used the Meaningful Life Measure (Chinese, revised) to assess their experiences of meaningfulness, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (Chinese version) to evaluate participants' suicidal thoughts and attempts, and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire to examine their personal schizotypal traits.

Results: Meaningfulness was found to be inversely related to the other two factors, and schizotypy was positively associated with suicidality. The correlation between schizotypy and suicidality was reduced when meaningfulness was included, which may suggest that meaningfulness can partly mediate this relationship, accounting for 55.47% of the association.

Conclusions: Prior research has suggested that assessing meaningfulness could provide more detailed information about suicide risk in individuals with schizotypy. Our study found that improving perceptions of meaningfulness can be an effective intervention in reducing suicide risk among people with schizotypy.

Well-Being and Self-Disorders in Schizotypal Disorder and Asperger Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder

We explored subjective well-being in two groups of young adult participants diagnosed with either schizotypal disorder (Sd) (n = 29) or Asperger syndrome/autism spectrum disorder (As/ASD) (n = 22). Well-being was impaired in both groups and was lower in the Sd group than in the As/ASD group. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between well-being and the presence of self-disorders. The negative effect of self-disorders on well-being was still significant when adjusted for diagnosis, age and gender, and level of function. The present findings point toward clinically important disorder-specific differences in the nature of impaired well-being between the Sd group and the As/ASD group, as there seems to be a self-disorder-driven additional contribution to impaired subjective well-being within the schizophrenia spectrum. These findings further nuance the understanding of fundamental and clinically important qualitative differences between the schizophrenia spectrum and the autism spectrum.

Effect of religion on suicide attempts in outpatients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorders compared with inpatients with non-psychotic disorders

Little is known of the relations between psychosis, religion and suicide. One hundred and fifteen outpatients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder and 30 inpatients without psychotic symptoms were studied using a semi-structured interview assessing religiousness/spirituality. Their past suicide attempts were examined. Additionally, they were asked about the role (protective or incentive) of religion in their decision to commit suicide. Forty-three percent of the patients with psychosis had previously attempted suicide. Religiousness was not associated with the rate of patients who attempted suicide. Twenty-five percent of all subjects acknowledged a protective role of religion, mostly through ethical condemnation of suicide and religious coping. One out of ten patients reported an incentive role of religion, not only due to negatively connotated issues but also to the hope for something better after death. There were no differences between groups (i.e. psychotic vs. non-psychotic patients). Religion may play a specific role in the decisions patients make about suicide, both in psychotic and non-psychotic patients. This role may be protective, a finding particularly important for patients with psychosis who are known to be at high risk of severe suicide attempts. Interventions aiming to lower the number of suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia should take these data into account.

Suicidal ideation, behavior, and mortality in male and female US veterans with severe mental illness

BACKGROUND

We compared male and female American veterans with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder regarding clinical characteristics associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. Subsequent mortality, including death by suicide, was also assessed.

METHODS

Data from questionnaires and face-to-face evaluations were collected during 2011-2014 from 8,049 male and 1,290 female veterans with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In addition to comparing male-female characteristics, Cox regression models-adjusted for demographic information, medical-psychiatric comorbidities, and self-reported suicidal ideation and behavior-were used to examine gender differences in associations of putative risk factors with suicide-specific and all-cause mortality during up to six years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Women overall were younger, more likely to report a history of suicidal behavior, less likely to be substance abusers, and had lower overall mortality during follow-up. Among women only, psychiatric comorbidity was paradoxically associated with lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=0.53, 95% CI, 0.29-0.96, p = 0.037 for 1 disorder vs. none; HR=0.44, 95% CI, 0.25-0.77, p = 0.004 for ≥2 disorders vs. none). Suicide-specific mortality involved relatively few events, but crude rates were an order of magnitude higher than in the U.S. general and overall veteran populations.

LIMITATIONS

Incomplete cause-of-death information and low statistical power for male-female comparisons regarding mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Female veterans with SMI differed from females in the general population by having a higher risk of suicide attempts. They also had more lifetime suicide attempts than male veterans with same diagnoses. These differences should inform public policy and clinical planning.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB) and psychosis-risk symptoms among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents

BACKGROUND

Individuals in the early stages of psychosis have a markedly high risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB). It is not well understood if STB among those with psychosis-risk symptoms is accounted for by co-occurring psychopathology (e.g., depression), unique experiences specific to psychosis-spectrum symptomatology (e.g., hallucinations, delusions), or combined effects of different factors. This cross-sectional study explored the link between psychosis-spectrum symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and STB.

METHODS

This record review included 569 adolescents (mean age = 14.83) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient hospital due to exhibiting behavior indicating they were an imminent threat to themselves or others. Upon intake to the hospital, participants completed a diagnostic interview and self-report measures of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt history, and psychosis-spectrum symptoms. The primary analysis used linear regression to predict suicidal ideation from psychosis-spectrum symptom scores, controlling for known characteristics associated with STB including specific psychiatric disorders (i.e. depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and psychotic disorders), biological sex, and race.

RESULTS

Psychosis-spectrum symptoms predicted suicidal ideation above and beyond the significant effects of a depressive disorder diagnosis and sex, as well as the non-significant effects of anxiety, PTSD, full-threshold psychosis, and race. Item-level correlations demonstrated that several psychosis-spectrum symptoms were significantly associated with ideation and lifetime suicide attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that within this sample of psychiatrically hospitalized youth, psychosis-risk symptoms were uniquely linked to STB. These findings suggest that attention to psychosis-spectrum symptoms, including several specific psychosis-risk experiences, may be clinically important for better assessment and treatment of suicidal youth.

Olanzapine Pamoate Use for Schizophrenia: Retrospective Records Based Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

Little is known from India about the experience of using olanzapine long-acting antipsychotic injectables (LAI). In this background, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of patients suffering from schizophrenia who were prescribed olanzapine LAI and to evaluate the usefulness and acceptability of olanzapine LAI among these patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, data of all the patients with schizophrenia receiving olanzapine pamoate, was extracted.

RESULTS

40 patients (males-55%; mean [SD] age- 36.2 (12) years; mean duration of illness (SD) prior to depot-143.3 (115.9) months) were included in the study. Olanzapine LAI was invariably prescribed in patients with a past history of non-compliance. Data was available for a mean (SD) follow-up duration of 17 (10.8) months. The most frequently used dose of olanzapine LAI used was 300 mg every two weeks (55%). This was followed by 405 mg every four weeks in (32.5%). Mean Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Severity score prior to starting of olanzapine LAI was 5.8 (0.7), which reduced to 2.7 (1.1) at the time of last follow-up or the last use of olanzapine LAI, and this was a statistically significant improvement (paired t-test value = 16.41; P < 0.001). Only one (2.5%) patient experienced Post injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome during the study period. Only one patient was hospitalized after starting depot olanzapine.

CONCLUSION

Olanzapine LAI is mostly used in patients with a history of non-compliance. Olanzapine LAI is associated with a significant reduction in the severity of illness.

Relief of expressed suicidality in schizophrenia after electroconvulsive therapy: A naturalistic cohort study

Suicide risk in schizophrenia is a significant treatment challenge but there are few approved treatments. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for suicidality in depression but its effect on suicidality in schizophrenia is unclear. We conducted a retrospective naturalistic study of the real-world effect of ECT on expressed suicidality as assessed by item 4 of the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale in 113 patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia receiving ECT. 19.5% of patients expressed suicidal ideation pre-ECT of which 86.4% experienced an improvement in expressed suicidality after an average of 10.2 (SD 2.7) sessions of ECT. Changes in suicide scores before and after ECT was examined using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model which showed that the effect of ECT on suicide was significantly mediated by depression and explained 72.2% of the decreased in expressed suicidality. ECT is effective in decreasing depression and expressed suicidality in patients with schizophrenia and should be considered as a treatment option for managing suicidality and psychosis in patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia.

Multi-institutional survey of suicide death among inpatients with schizophrenia in comparison with depression

Suicide is a major cause of death among inpatients with schizophrenia. However, there are only a limited number of surveys of suicide among such patients, especially in Asia. Therefore, we conducted a multi-institutional survey on suicide death among inpatients with schizophrenia in Japan. We investigated the characteristics of patients with schizophrenia who died by suicide during hospitalization in psychiatric wards, and simultaneously, those of patients with depression. Forty-five suicides of patients with schizophrenia occurred in 27 hospitals, and 46 suicides of patients with depression occurred in 33 hospitals. Hanging was the most common suicide method in both diagnostic groups. More than half of the patients with schizophrenia had histories of suicide attempts, although there was no significant difference in previous suicide attempts or self-harm between both diagnostic groups. Medical staff should confirm whether inpatients with schizophrenia have such histories. In this study, there was no significant difference in characteristics between inpatients with schizophrenia or depression. In order to prevent suicides of patients with schizophrenia during hospitalization, nonspecific suicide attempt prevention needs to be undertaken, such as ensuring comprehension of the general risk factors of suicide among medical staff.