Citation

Dutta R, Murray RM, Allardyce J, Jones PB, Boydell JE. Schizophr. Res. 2011; 126(1-3): 11-19.

Affiliation

Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's Health Partners, King's College London, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.schres.2010.11.021

PMID

21183318

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Much remains unknown about whether there are early risk factors for suicide in psychosis. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether there are any identifiable early symptom clusters, aetiological factors or illness course markers for suicide in first episode psychosis. METHOD: A total of 2132 patients with first episode psychosis presenting to secondary care services in London (1965-2004; n=1474), Nottingham (1997-1999; n=195) and Dumfries and Galloway (1979-1998; n=463) were traced after up to 40years (mean 13years) following first presentation. Risk factors were identified from the Operational Checklist for Psychotic Disorders rated for the first year following presentation. RESULTS: Overall, there were 51 suicides and 373 deaths from other causes. Male gender (RR 2.84, 95% CI 1.20-6.69, p=0.02) and a cumulative threshold effect of symptoms early in the illness (RR 6.81, 95% CI 2.33-19.85, p<0.001) were associated with a higher propensity for later completed suicide. There was also a suggestion that early manic symptoms might increase the risk of later suicide irrespective of initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Suicide risk was associated with a cumulative threshold effect of symptoms and manic symptoms. As suicide is a relatively rare event in psychotic disorders, general population-based prevention strategies may have more impact in this vulnerable group as well as the wider population.

Language: en