Psychosocial correlates of suicidal intent among patients with schizophrenia

Suicidal intent is common among patients with schizophrenia, resulting in extreme personal distress, increased hospitalizations and healthcare expenditures, and early mortality. However, the psychosocial correlates of current suicidality among schizophrenic patients are not fully understood. This study attempted to identify psychosocial correlates of current suicidal intent in a sample of 267 patients with schizophrenia. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between suicidality and current symptomatology, psychosocial problems, global functioning, and demographic characteristics. Results showed that depressive symptomatology as a single variable accounted for approximately 50% of the variance in ratings of suicidal intent. In addition, female gender, younger age, recent traumatic stress, and less severe psychotic symptoms each significantly predicted current suicidality independent of depressive symptoms. The combination of depression among younger female schizophrenic patients whose psychotic symptoms have abated and who are experiencing current traumatic stress may indicate extreme suicidal intent. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B, Saunders Company.