Citation

Tarrier N, Picken A. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2011; 46(11): 1079-1086.

Affiliation

Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK, nicholas.tarrier@manchester.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-010-0277-0

PMID

20711764

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide risk is high in schizophrenic patients and is further elevated in dual diagnosis patients. Suicide behaviour is a continuum from ideation, plans to attempts. Exposure to traumatic stress and co-morbid PTSD is elevated in schizophrenic patients. Suicide behaviour is also common in non-psychotic PTSD patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of trauma and co-morbid PTSD on suicide behaviour in dual diagnosis patients and whether co-morbid PTSD would further elevate suicide risk. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in which suicide behaviour was compared in those with and without co-morbid PTSD in 110 patients suffering schizophrenia and alcohol and/or substance abuse. RESULTS: 100 (91%) reported at least one traumatic event with an average of 4.3 events. 31 (28%) patients met criteria for full PTSD. Current suicidal ideation was reported by 39 (35%) and 23 (21%) reported plans and ideation, 69 (63%) reported at least one previous suicide attempt. Suicide behaviour was significantly associated with an increasing number of traumatic events. Suicidality was significantly associated and elevated with co-morbid PTSD. Analysis indicated that the effect of trauma on suicide behaviour appeared to be mediated by hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide behaviour was not associated with exposure to trauma per se but was associated with incremental exposure to traumatic experiences. Consistent with the study hypotheses, co-morbid PTSD further adds to the risk of suicide behaviour in an already vulnerable group.

Language: en