Suicidality and psychosis: the predictive potential of symptomatology and insight into illness

Abstract

Recent research indicates that suicidal ideation and intent effect the majority of psychotic patients, a large proportion of whom eventually complete suicide. Some evidence suggests that psychotic symptomatology and awareness of the disorder may increase the suicidal risk in this patient population. This study investigated the predictive potential of insight into illness, years of treatment, recent traumatic stress, and depressive, manic, cognitive, anxiety, and psychotic symptomatology in the genesis of suicidality with psychotic patients. Results showed that increased insight into illness, fewer years of treatment, and more severe depressive symptoms each significantly heightened patients' risk of suicidality. Research and practice implications of these findings are discussed.