Suicide Among Schizophrenic Adolescents in the Long-Term Course of Illness

The significance of the suicide problem for patients showing the first symptoms of schizophrenic disorders between 14 & 18 years of age is presented in a long-term follow-up study including two follow-up periods after a minimum of 5 & 11 years. The suicide rate of 13.1% is significantly higher than in other studies with patients who developed a schizophrenic psychosis in a later period of life. In addition, there is a significant gender difference in the rate of suicide – 21.5% of the men & 6% of the women – although the latter made more suicide attempts. (25 refs.)