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Suicide Among Schizophrenies: A Comparison of Attempters and Completed Suicides

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Robert E. Drake ,
Charlene Gates  and
Paul G. Cotton
Robert E. Drake*
Affiliation:
Community Mental Health Services, Dartmouth Medical School
Paul G. Cotton
Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School, Medical Director, Pembroke Hospital, Massachusetts
*
Community Mental Health Services, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
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Abstract

Schizophrenies who completed suicide were compared with those who made suicide attempts, on the basis of blind ratings of previous hospital records and follow-up interviews with treating clinicians. Results indicated that the two groups were relatively distinct. Suicides tended to live alone and to feel depressed, hopeless, worthless, and suicidal. Attempters, on the other hand, lived with their families or others and were less likely to manifest several features of depression during a period in hospital. In evaluating suicide potential among schizophrenics, living situation and mental state changes indicating depression, suicidal intent, worthlessness, and hopeiessness are more important than a history of suicidal behaviour.

Information

Type
Brief Reports
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 149 , Issue 6 , December 1986 , pp. 784 - 787
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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