Suicide attempts in schizophrenia

The vulnerability to the suicide is an important problem in the clinical handling of patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicide attempts in the schizophrenia and its associated factors, including the QOL (Quality of Life). A cross-sectional study was carried out with 150 outpatients.  Three instruments had been applied, the scale of depression ECDE (Scale Calgary of Depression in the Schizophrenia), the scale QLS-BR (Quality of Life Scale - Version for Brazil) and a questionnaire containing the patients’ clinical and socio-demographic data. The suicide attempts were measure by means of item eight of the ECDE. Descriptive and multivariate analyses had been done. A prevalence of 24% of suicide attempts was found. This event was associated with married status, receiving financial support from Brasilian Institute for Social Security (INSS), using three or more medicines and presenting score compatible with depression in the ECDE, beyond better QV in the intrapsychic functions and interpersonal relations. This study identified the depression as the most important factor associated with suicide attempts. Studies inside of this thematic one will be able to guide focused interventions, with potential reduction in the lost lives for the suicide in these patients.