Suicide in Schizophrenia
About 5% of people with Schizophrenia will die by suicide, usually near the time of the illness onset [ref]. Suicide in this group is more common when the individual:
- Is experiencing a Major Depression or depressive symptoms [ref]
- Is having intense psychotic symptoms but few negative symptoms [ref]
- Has a first or second degree relative who attempted or committed suicide [ref]
- Has a concurrent Dissociative Disorder [ref]
- Suffers from a concurrent Substance Use Disorder (thought this finding has been inconsistent) [ref]
- Has made suicide attempts in the past [ref].
When a person is seriously considering suicide it is very important that they or their family or friends contact a physician immediately or that the person goes immediately to an emergency room.