Citation

Harkavy-Friedman JM, Restifo K, Malaspina D, Kaufmann CA, Amador XF, Yale SA, Gorman JM. Am. J. Psychiatry 1999; 156(8): 1276-1278.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10450275

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study compares demographic and clinical characteristics of 52 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had attempted suicide with those of 104 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had not made a suicide attempt. METHOD: Participants were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. RESULTS: Most suicide attempts were of moderate to severe lethality, required medical attention, and involved significant suicidal intent. Individuals who had and had not attempted suicide did not differ with respect to demographic variables, duration of illness, rate of depression, or substance abuse. The two groups are affected differentially when depressed. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsychosocial assessments and interventions are essential for reducing the risk for suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia.

Language: en