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

This article discusses suicidal behavior in mood disorders. Major points highlighted include: suicide in bipolar disorder, pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder & its effect on suicide, & suicide in major depression. The author concludes that mortality in major affective disorders is greater than that in the general population for several reasons, including suicide, accidents, substance abuse, & medical illness. Risk factors associated with suicide are reviewed. (18 refs)