[Neuroleptic therapy and suicide--review of the literature and personal results]

Abstract

The majority of schizophrenic patients receive neuroleptics (NL) and a relatively high number of them commit suicide. Is there a relationship between the two variables? Long-term observations failed to demonstrate an interdependence between a large-scale introduction of NL in the therapeutic practice and suicide rates. There is a relationship between depression and suicide and depressive syndroms are frequent in schizophrenic patients. Depressions due to an exclusive use of NL probably do occur, but quite seldom so. Also, possible relationships between other NL side effects (akathisia, dysphoric reaction to NL) and suicidal behavior are not sufficiently supported by the clinical data. Direct comparisons in controlled studies (the own study included) between NL therapy of suicide and control subjects yielded no consistent results. Suicide promoting effect of NL cannot be postulated on the basis of the available data, however, it also cannot be fully excluded in individual cases.