[A prospective study of the psychopathological variables associated with suicidality among schizophrenic patients].
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to of identify the psychopathological profile of suicidal schizophrenic patients during a period of stability, thereby helping to define the trait aspect of these variables.


METHODS
Consecutively admitted schizophrenic patients fulfilling criteria for <<suicidal>> and <<non-suicidal>> groups were assessed at baseline and one year later for sociodemographic, general clinical and psychopathological features, by the positive and negative subscales of the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Amador Insight Scale (first three items).


RESULTS
A total of 57 of 73 patients were available for re-evaluation. The suicidal group showed higher depression and hopelessness scores. Hopelessness and lower negative symptomatology identified most of the suicidal (66.7%) and non-suicidal (70%) patients. Hopelessness was the most important variable for identifying suicidality.


CONCLUSIONS
Under conditions of illness stability, this profile complements the acute phase profiles identified by most studies in the literature, and should foster improved risk recognition for targeting preventive interventions.
Artiles
F Acosta
FA
Psychiatry Department, Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain. fjacostaartiles@hotmail.com
García-Iturrospe
E Aguilar
EA
Méndez
M Cejas
MC
Marco
R Gracia
RG
Hidalgo
A Caballero
AC
Siris
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult