Differences in Mortality and Suicidal Behaviour Between Treated and Never-Treated People With Schizophrenia in Rural China

This study explored 10-year mortality & suicidal behaviour among never-treated Chinese individuals with schizophrenia. Data from a 10-year prospective follow-up study (1994-2004) was used. The mortality rate for never-treated individuals was 2761 per 100,000 person years during follow-up. There were no significant differences of rates of suicide & all-cause mortality between never treated & treated individuals. Compared with treated people, never-treated individuals were more likely to be older, poorer, have a longer duration of illness, marked symptoms, & fewer family members. (38 refs.)