Communication of Suicide Intent by Schizophrenic Subjects: Data From the Queensland Suicide Register

The Queensland Suicide Register was used to identify suicide cases. Frequency of suicide communication was examined in subjects with schizophrenia, & compared with persons with other psychiatric conditions & with subjects with no reported diagnosis. Subjects with a reported diagnosis of schizophrenia comprised 7.2% (135 cases) of the 1,863 suicides included in this study. Subjects with schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders communicated their suicide intent more frequently than those with no psychiatric diagnosis. 71% of subjects with schizophrenia had contact with a mental health professional within three months of their suicide. (22 refs.)