Suicidal behaviour in early psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
This was to determine the prevalence of suicidal behaviours prior to and during the first year of treatment in a comprehensive early psychosis program (EPP) and to identify predictors of suicidal behaviour.


METHODS
In a cohort study of 238 subjects, patients were assessed at initial presentation to an EPP and 1 year later. Measures included a range of demographic variables, suicide attempts, depression, positive and negative symptoms, social functioning and substance misuse.


RESULTS
Although 15.1% attempted suicide prior to program entry, only 2.9% made an attempt in the year after program entry and 0.4% completed suicide. No further attempts were seen in those with previous parasuicide. These rates are lower than other published rates for first-episode patients.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible that specifically designed first-episode programs can reduce the suicidal behaviour in this high-risk population. The low prevalence of attempted suicide makes modeling predictors difficult.
Addington
J
J
Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. jean_addington@camh.net
Williams
J
J
Young
J
J
Addington
D
D
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors