[Suicidal ideation in schizophrenia: relationship with positive and negative symptoms, depression and insight]

Abstract

Objective: To estimate suicidal ideation among schizophrenic patients and compare sociodemographic and clinical properties.

Method: Sixty patients schizophrenic according to DSM-IV criteria were included in the study. Half the patients were in the acute phase and were inpatients, while the other half were in the stable phase and were outpatients. A semistructured sociodemographic form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Schedule for Assessing the Three Components of Insight were used.

Results: Suicidal ideations were found in 12 (20%) patients. The proportion having relationship problems, having attempted suicide in the past, and in the acute phase was higher in the group with suicidal ideations than in the group without suicidal ideations. The mean number of suicide attempts was also higher in the group with suicide ideations. The depression score measured by CDSS was higher in the group with suicidal ideations, while there were no relationships between the scores of positive and negative symptoms, and the degree of insight and suicidal thoughts.

Conclusion: The high rate of suicidal ideation in our sample suggests that, when planning treatment and follow-up for these patients, the risk of suicide has to be determined and protective measures have to be taken. It suggests that determining depression routinely with scales that can be used easily, like CDSS, can be useful for these patients.