Predictors of suicide attempts in 3.322 patients with affective disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

This study explores risk factors for suicide attempts using the electronic health records of 3,322 patients with either schizophrenia spectrum disorders or affective disorders who underwent a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at the Emergency Department at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center or the Hillside Evaluation Center at The Zucker Hillside Hospital from August 3rd 2011 to July 5th 2012. Multivariate regression analyses showed, after adjusting for sex, that previous suicidal attempts and financial or relationship losses were significantly associated with a current suicidal attempt. Additionally, higher odds of having a suicidal attempt were also found in those subjects with a diagnosis of an affective disorder, compared to a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis, and those patients in the children/adolescent group compared to those in the adult/elderly group. Our study results confirm and expand results from prior studies. Therefore, physicians should be alert for the presence of any or all of these factors upon evaluation of psychiatric patients, and if present, either psychiatric hospitalization or a close psychiatric follow up in collaboration with family and a therapist would be key in reducing the risk of potential suicidal behavior.

Lifestyle Interventions and Prevention of Suicide

“…In patients with severe psychiatric disease, strategies that promote exercise and sport activities, that reduce caffeine consumption and other health-adverse behaviors are particularly important for the reduction of psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life dissatisfaction, factors that increase suicide risk. Gallego et al ( 135 ) suggested that in patients with either schizophrenia spectrum disorders or affective disorders, physicians should be alert for the presence of a previous suicidal attempts and financial or relationship losses, factors that can increase suicidal risk. Furthermore, psychiatric hospitalization, a close psychiatric follow up, collaboration with family would be important strategies in reducing the risk of suicidal behavior in patients affected by severe psychiatric disorders.…”

Suicide and assisted dying in dementia: what we know and what we need to know. A narrative literature review

“…O t h e r r i s k fac to r s A history of suicide attempts is a well-known predictor for future suicide attempts in patients with psychiatric disorders (Gallego et al, 2015). Previous expression of suicidal behavior and a past history of self-harm have also been reported as risk factors for suicide in patients with dementia.…”

Predictors of aggression in 3.322 patients with affective disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders evaluated in an emergency department setting

“…No post-hoc definitions of homicidal ideation, intent, or plan or aggression were used for the analyses. Data regarding suicidal ideation and behavior was also collected and has been previously published (Gallego et al, 2015). We obtained information regarding patient diagnosis directly from the EHR.…”