The Occurrence and Characteristics of Suicidal Preoccupation and Acts in Schizophrenia

A study of 205 schizophrenc men showed 1/2 of them had suicidal ideas & attempts. Suicidal acts occur most often in the initial phase of psychosis or during later exacerbations, & are found more often in cases with a periodic type of illness. This study suggests that suicidal activity in schizophrenia occurs most conspicuously during the disruptive phase of the illness & is 1 of many components of the symptom complex of schizophrenic anguish. (CM)