• J M Harkavy-Friedman, K Restifo, D Malaspina, C A Kaufmann, X F Amador, S A Yale, and J M Gorman.
• Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA.
• Am J Psychiatry. 1999 Aug 1; 156 (8): 1276-8.

ObjectiveThis study compares demographic and clinical characteristics of 52 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had attempted suicide with those of 104 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had not made a suicide attempt.MethodParticipants were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies.ResultsMost suicide attempts were of moderate to severe lethality, required medical attention, and involved significant suicidal intent. Individuals who had and had not attempted suicide did not differ with respect to demographic variables, duration of illness, rate of depression, or substance abuse. The two groups are affected differentially when depressed.ConclusionsBiopsychosocial assessments and interventions are essential for reducing the risk for suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia.

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