Suicide Victims With Schizophrenia in Different Treatment Phases and Adequacy of Antipsychotic Medication

All 88 schizophrenic suicide victims in Finland with a known treatment contact were studied. Characteristics of victims as well as adequacy of neuroleptic treatment were examined. 57% of victims with active phase schizophrenia were prescribed inadequate neuroleptic treatment or were noncompliant. Inpatient victims had the highest proportion of negative or indifferent treatment attitudes. It is concluded that suicide risk factors may vary in different treatment phases of schizophrenia. (68 refs.)