Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of suicide attempts in first episode drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe depression

Jinfeng Zhu; Xiaoe Lang; Fangfang Shangguan; Xiang Yang Zhang

doi:10.1080/13651501.2024.2438754

Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of suicide attempts in first episode drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe depression

Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2024 Dec 10:1-7. doi: 10.1080/13651501.2024.2438754. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jinfeng Zhu¹, Xiaoe Lang², Fangfang Shangguan¹, Xiang Yang Zhang³

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
² Department of Psychiatry, The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China.
³ Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Affiliated Mental Health Center of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China.

PMID: 39655797
DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2024.2438754

Abstract

Background: Suicide attempts have been intensively examined in chronic schizophrenia (SCZ) patients with comorbid depression. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of suicide attempts in Chinese first episode drug-naïve (FEDN) SCZ patients with comorbid severe depression.

Methods: Totally 317 FEDN SCZ patients were recruited into the study. Patients were assessed for symptoms using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD₂₄), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Plasma glucose and lipids were measured. A score of more than 35 on the HAMD₂₄ was defined as severe depression.

Results: Suicide attempts occurred at a higher rate in patients with severe depression than in those without (33.4% vs 16.7%). Among patients with severe depression, HAMD and PANSS total score were higher in suicide attempters compared to non-attempters (all p < 0.05). PANSS total score was independently related to suicide attempts in FEDN SCZ patients who had severe depression (OR = 1.02, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Suicide attempts are more prevalent in FEDN SCZ patients with comorbid severe depression than in those without. Psychotic symptoms might be involved in suicide attempts in FEDN SCZ patients with severe depression, while depressive symptoms might not.

Keywords: PANSS; Schizophrenia; depression; prevalence; suicide.

Plain language summary

In patients with FEDN SCZ, suicide attempts were more common in those with comorbid severe depression than in those without.FEDN SCZ patients with severe depression scored higher on PANSS than those without.PANSS total score was associated with suicide attempts in FEDN SCZ patients with severe depression.