Outcome of suicidal patients with schizophrenia: results from a naturalistic study.
OBJECTIVE
Purpose was to assess suicidality before and at the time of admission in patients with schizophrenia and compare outcome differences.


METHODS
Biweekly PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), HAMD (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and UKU (Udvalg for Klinske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale) ratings were evaluated in 339 in-patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders. Response was defined as an initial 20% PANSS total score reduction at discharge, remission was defined according to the proposed consensus criteria by the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group.


RESULTS
Suicidal patients (22%) scored significantly higher on the PANSS negative subscore, PANSS insight item and HAMD total score at admission and at discharge. They developed significantly more side effects. No differences were found concerning response and remission between the two patient subgroups.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite receiving significantly more antidepressants the suicidal patients suffered from significantly more depressive symptoms up to discharge, yet without differing regarding response and remission.
Schennach-Wolff
R
R
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. rebecca.schennach-wolff@med.uni-muenchen.de
Jäger
M
M
Seemüller
F
F
Obermeier
M
M
Schmauss
M
M
Laux
G
G
Pfeiffer
H
H
Naber
D
D
Schmidt
L G
LG
Gaebel
W
W
Klosterkötter
J
J
Heuser
I
I
Maier
W
W
Lemke
M R
MR
Rüther
E
E
Klingberg
S
S
Gastpar
M
M
Möller
H-J
HJ
Riedel
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents