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

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.