Table 1 Risk factors for suicide in schizophrenic outpatients and inpatients (modified from [9])
From: Suicide risk in schizophrenia: learning from the past to change the future
White, young, male (often under 30 years) |
Unmarried |
High premorbid expectations |
Gradual onset of illness |
Social isolation |
Fear of further mental deterioration |
Excessive treatment dependency |
Loss of faith in treatment |
Family stress or instability |
Limited external support |
Recent loss or rejection |
Hopelessness |
Deteriorating health |
Paranoid schizophrenia |
Substance abuse |
Deliberate self-harm |
Unemployement |
Chronicity of illness with numerous exacerbation |
Family history of suicide |
Pre-admission and intra-admission suicidal attempts |
Agitation and impulsivity |
Fluctuating suicidal ideation |
Extrapiramidal symptoms caused by medications |
Prescription of a greater number of neuroleptic and antidepressants |
Increased length of stay, increased number of ward changes, discharge planning and period following discharge |
Period of approved leave |
Apparent improvement |
Past and present history of depression |
Frequent relapses and rehospitalization |
Longer hospitalization periods than other psychiatric inpatients |
Negative attitudes towards medication and reduced compliance with therapy |
Living alone before the past admission |
Charged feelings about their illness and hospital admission |
Early signs of a disturbed psychosocial adjustment |
Dependence and incapability of working |
Difficult relationship with staff and difficult acclimation in ward environment |
Hospitalization close to crucial sites (big roads, railway stations, rivers, etc). |