Citation

Harkavy-Friedman JM. Psychiatric Times 2007; 24(2): 21+24-25+28.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are at increased risk for attempted and completed suicide throughout their lifespan. No one factor can be highlighted as essential for increasing or reducing this risk. In fact, vulnerable individuals tend to have increased periods of risk, such as during depression, during stressful times, and during changes in support. After a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, social functioning, and past suicidal behavior, a continual multifaceted evaluation of suicidal behavior and potentially associated factors is necessary for early and effective suicide risk reduction (Table 2). Suicidal behavior recurs and passes, especially when intervention is available. Although it may be impossible to prevent every suicide, effective intervention with attention to quality of life is essential for suicide risk reduction.

Language: en