Risk of Non-Fatal Suicide Ideation and Behaviour in Recent Onset Schizophrenia: the Influence of Clinical, Social, Self-Esteem and Demographic Factors

59 patients with recent onset schizophrenia were assessed for suicide ideation & history, & a range of demographic, clinical, social, & self-esteem measures. Approximately 25% of the sample reported a current desire to kill themselves & 47% had made 1 or more previous attempts. There were numerous significant univariate differences between those with or without suicide ideation or history. Path analysis indicated greater hopelessness & longer duration of illness increased risk. The authors conclude that reducing risk of suicide means demographic, clinical, interpersonal, & psychological factors need to assessed & methods developed to reduce their influence. (35 refs.) JA