FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE ATTEMPT AMONG PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

The study goal was to assess the prevalence of attempted suicide among people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders using atypical antipsychotics and to identify factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was carried out from a direct interview, with patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders over 18 years old who were using atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine or ziprasidone). Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were collected, in addition to the dependent variable attempted suicide. Associations between the ​​independent variables and the dependent variable were analyzed using the logistic regression model. A total of 439 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of attempted suicide was 33.94%. A statistically significant association was detected between attempted suicide and brown/black skin color, use of alcohol and/or cigarettes, inability to perform usual activities, moderate to extreme anxiety and/or depression, and hospitalization for psychiatric reasons. It was concluded that the prevalence of attempted suicide among patients with schizophrenia is higher than in the general population and studying the factors associated with this outcome can help to prevent it.