Effect of Psychosis on Suicide Risk in 1,593 With Unipolar and Bipolar Affective Disorders

The authors report suicide risk among 1,593 patients with major depression or bipolar disorder, 443 (27.8%) of whom were psychotic (260 bipolar & 183 unipolar). The subjects were followed for 0-14 years, & their suicide experience was compared with that of the state population. Eight (19.5%) of the 41 suicide victims were from the psychotic group. The psychotic & nonpsychotic subjects in each diagnostic group had similar risks for suicide. A higher risk for suicide was not found in the bipolar subjects. The authors conclude that psychosis in itself does not predispose patients with major affective disorder to suicide. (27 refs.)