Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia. Some studies indicate that increased difficulties
in functioning are associated with suicidality in persons with schizophrenia. We conducted a secondary analysis of 74 suicides
(cases) and 24 accidental deaths (controls) among persons with schizophrenia identified in a national psychological autopsy
study in China. Between cases and controls, we compared the effect of schizophrenia on work, daily activities, emotions, social
relationships and self-care at the time the illness was most severe. There was no difference in the overall maximum dysfunction
associated with the illness between groups. None of the 5 measures (work, activities, emotions, relationships, self-care)
were different between the two groups. This study of individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia who died by suicide in a non-western
culture only partially supports findings from clinical studies in western cultures.
in functioning are associated with suicidality in persons with schizophrenia. We conducted a secondary analysis of 74 suicides
(cases) and 24 accidental deaths (controls) among persons with schizophrenia identified in a national psychological autopsy
study in China. Between cases and controls, we compared the effect of schizophrenia on work, daily activities, emotions, social
relationships and self-care at the time the illness was most severe. There was no difference in the overall maximum dysfunction
associated with the illness between groups. None of the 5 measures (work, activities, emotions, relationships, self-care)
were different between the two groups. This study of individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia who died by suicide in a non-western
culture only partially supports findings from clinical studies in western cultures.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-4
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9460-3
- Authors
- John Kasckow, VA Pittsburgh Health Care System MIRECC, Behavioral Health Service, 7180 Highland Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
- Nancy Liu, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0852, 7M, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Michael R. Phillips, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853