Adding suicide prevention to the triple advantages of injectable long-acting second-generation antipsychotics.

With the advent of new treatment perspectives for schizophrenic patients, long-acting injectable antipsychotics promise to provide relapse prevention, neuroprotection, and lower mortality rates (1). In preliminary studies, scholars have also indicated that such treatments could play a central role in suicide prevention in patients (2, 3) for whom suicide is the most likely cause of premature death, in addition to repercussions for caregivers and clinicians. Both Kraepelin (4) and Bleuler (5) highlighted the issue of suicide risk among patients suffering from schizophrenia. Modern studies provided an intricate list of risk factors for suicide, pointing to numerous issues in the management and treatment of schizophrenic patients. Individuals at higher risk are generally unmarried young white males who achieved proper functioning before the onset of the disorder (6). Such patients may easily be overwhelmed by hopelessness and depression, as well as becoming demoralized and being aware that their previous lifestyle cannot be maintained.