Abstract

Suicide is the most common cause of mortality among patients with schizophrenia. Literature shows that about 20 to 40% of schizophrenic patients make suicide attempts. Studies show that a history of past suicide attempts is a strong predictor of future suicide and increases the risk of future suicide. Suicide rates among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) range between 5 and 13%. There are various associated risk factors for suicide risk assessment, such as genetic vulnerability, gender, hopelessness, depression, underlying substance use, early phase of illness, and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). However, the role of psychotic symptoms is also equally important while assessing for suicide risk. Hence, future research is required from appropriate risk assessment and suicide prevention among patients with SSD.

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