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Suicidal Behavior in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: Examining the Role of Depression
Author(s) -
HarkavyFriedman Jill M.,
Nelson Elizabeth A.,
Venarde David F.,
Mann J. John
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1521/suli.34.1.66.27770
Subject(s) - schizoaffective disorder , depression (economics) , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychiatry , psychology , psychosis , clinical psychology , suicidal ideation , major depressive disorder , suicide attempt , stressor , psychotic depression , poison control , suicide prevention , medicine , cognition , medical emergency , economics , macroeconomics
Understanding the relationship between depression and suicidal behavior among individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can aid assessment and treatment. In this study, 86 individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were assessed for past and current suicidal behavior, depression, hopelessness, and reasons for living. Thirty‐four percent reported a history of suicide attempts. Suicidal behavior typically occurred 4.5 years after the onset of psychosis and 7.5 years after the onset of the first major depressive episode for those who had a history of major depression. Depression was frequent among both attempters and non‐attempters, but only half of the attempters reported a suicide attempt during an episode of major depression. And almost half of those with depression never made a suicide attempt despite a long history of illness. Although depression is a potential stressor for triggering suicidal behavior in a vulnerable subset of individuals with schizophrenia, schizophrenia research must identify other risk factors for suicidal behavior. Clinicians should remember that even without a depressive episode there is still a significant risk for suicidal behavior in schizophrenia.