Reducing the Risk for Suicide in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders: Suicide in Schizophrenia

This article reviews the prevalence of suicide & suicidal behavior among patients with schizophrenia. Major points highlighted include: treatment with typical antipsychotics, clozapine effectiveness, the International Suicide Prevention Trial (InterSePT), & risk factors for suicidality in schizophrenia. The author offers his own conclusions concerning the effective treatment of suicide in schizophrenia, suggesting the benefits of treatment with atypical antipsychotics. (11 refs)