[Risk profiles for suicide of schizophrenic and depressive inpatients - a psychological autopsy study].
OBJECTIVE
This psychological autopsy study investigates suicide risk factors of schizophrenic and depressive inpatients.


METHODS
67 potential risk factors of inpatient suicide were identified by means of literature research and caregiver interviews of schizophrenic and depressive suicidents (1995-2004). The medical records of the suicidents (n = 20) were analysed in respect to the identified risk factors and compared to their respective control group of non-suicidents (n = 20) which was matched by diagnosis, gender, age, year / month of admission and ward. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.


RESULTS
In comparison to their respective control group schizophrenic (n = 11) and depressive suicidents (n = 9) differed clearly by their risk profile. Suffering from side effects of medication was found to be a predictor of suicide for schizophrenic inpatients.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological autopsy studies are indispensable for the construction of diagnosis-specific risk profiles. Reduction of side effects of medication seems to play a larger role in suicide prevention for schizophrenic inpatients than previously assumed.
Neuner
Tanja
T
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Universität am Bezirksklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg. tanja.neuner@medbo.de
Mehlsteibl
Dorothea
D
Hübner-Liebermann
Bettina
B
Schmid
Rita
R
Schielein
Tanja
T
Hausner
Helmut
H
Hajak
Göran
G
Spiessl
Hermann
H
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents