Citation

Pompili M, Girardi P, Ruberto A, Tatarelli R. World J. Biol. Psychiatry 2004; 5(4): 201-210.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, World Federation of the Societies of Biological Psychiatry, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15622970410029934

PMID

15543514

Abstract

Suicide is the primary cause of death among schizophrenic patients; follow-up studies suggested that 10-13% of schizophrenic patients die by suicide. Preventive measures based on early recognition of risk factors and the establishment of drug treatment protocols are no doubt of great help but have not resulted in a significant reduction of the number of suicides among these patients. Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder affecting all aspects of the individual's life. Prevention should therefore be addressed to various areas. This paper overviews studies dealing with major fields of interest in the prevention of suicide among patients with schizophrenia. The authors focus on the role of pharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions and psychotherapy, the struggle against stigmatization and the role of GPs. Prevention of suicide among inpatients with schizophrenia is also analysed. It is concluded that those integrated strategies already in use and the implementation of less known interventions should constitute a more effective prevention of self-inflicted deaths among these patients.

Language: en

Keywords

Antipsychotic Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Hospitalization; Humans; Psychotherapy; Risk Factors; Schizophrenia; Stereotyping; Suicide; Suicide Prevention