The Prevalence of Comorbid Substance Misuse and its Influence on Suicidal Ideation Among In-Patients With Schizophrenia

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, & identify the clinical correlates of comorbid substance misuse among readmissions with schizophrenia, particularly to establish if this misuse is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms & suicidal ideation. Of 102 readmissions, 40% had lifetime, while 20% had current comorbid substance misuse & were predominantly young males. Those currently misusing substances reported more suicidal ideation compared with past or non-substance misusers. These subjects may represent a group who are at higher risk of suicide. (35 refs.)