Current Clinical Variables in Schizophrenia Cases with Suicide Attempt History

Objective: High suicide risk was shown to be related with depression and low quality of life in studies investigating clinical variables related to suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a suicide attempt on clinical presentation by comparing sociodemographic variables, clinical signs, symptoms of depression, quality of life, social functionality, and reported adverse drug reactions in schizophrenic patients with and without suicide. Method: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale (CDS), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU) were administered to 115 patients with schizophrenia. Results: 44.3% of patients had at least one suicide attempt. Among sociodemographic variables, a family history of suicide, smoking, and total duration of disease were significantly higher in patients with suicide history than without. Scores of CDS and UKU subscores were significantly higher, and quality of life and social occupation in social functionality were significantly lower in patients with a history of suicide. In correlation analysis, CSD was negatively correlated with Q-LES-Q and independency/performance subscore of SFI, and positively correlated with UKU-Neurological subscore. Discussion: In line with this data, suicidal behavior may be suggested to affect clinical presentation and course characteristic of schizophrenic patients. Additional treatments towards factors that may impact on the clinical course and social support programs might be suggested for these patients.