Predictors and outcome characteristics associated with suicidal behaviour in early psychosis: a two-year follow-up of first-admitted subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the baseline characteristics associated with a greater risk of suicidal behaviour (suicide and parasuicide) over the 2 years following a first admission for psychosis, and the associations between suicidality and outcome.


METHODS
First-admitted subjects with psychosis (n=65) were assessed at 6-monthly intervals over a 2-year follow-up period.


RESULTS
Over this period, 11.3% of the patients displayed suicidal behaviour. Baseline predictors of suicidal behaviour were a lifetime history of parasuicide before first admission (OR=5.9, 95% CI 1.5-23.4), lower Positive And Negative Symptom Scale positive subscores (OR=0.8, 95% CI 0.6-0.97) and a longer duration of first admission (OR=1.1, 95% CI 1-1.2). Subjects with suicidal behaviour presented with a longer duration of psychotic symptoms (OR=1.1, 95% CI 1.02-1.2) and a greater risk of being readmitted (OR=4.6, 95%CI 1.1-19.1). Subjects with substance misuse over the follow-up period were seven times (95%CI 1.3-39) more likely to engage in suicidal behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects with a previous history of parasuicide, with a deteriorating clinical course, or with substance misuse are at increased risk of suicidal behaviour in the 2 years after the onset of a first psychotic episode.
Verdoux
H
H
Department of Psychiatry, University Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, France, Hôpital Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Liraud
F
F
Gonzales
B
B
Assens
F
F
Abalan
F
F
van Os
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome