Psychiatria pre prax 4/2008
SUICIDALITY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
We review the risk factors of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia, its differential diagnosis as well as treatment and prevention strategies. The main risk factors include depression, hopelessness, early stages of the illness, previous suicidal behavior, and substance abuse. It is more frequent in males, in patients with higher level of cognitive functions and insight. The prevention strategies should focus on the patients in the beginning of the illness, immediately after the discharge, continuity, education, depressive symptomatology. Clozapine is the only psychopharmacological approach with sufficient evidence for its antisuicidal effect.
Keywords: schizophrenia, suicidal behavior, clozapine, risk factors, prevention
