The relationship between depression and insight into the possibility of suicide in patients with schizophrenia

Objective: This study aims at investigating the relationship between suicide probability and insight and depression in schizophrenic patients. Methods: A total of 104 patients, in the 18-65 age group, who were observed with schizophrenia diagnosis for minimum two years at psychiatry outpatient of a university and the Community Mental Health Center, were included into our study between the dates of March 17th and April 15th 2015. Interview form was used in collection of data along with the Suicide Probability Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and Birchwood Insight Scale. Data were analyzed with the multiple comparison, independent t test, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney U, ANOVA, covariant analysis and Pearson correlation tests. Results: 56.7% of the cases have stated that they have previously attempted suicide, and 45.2% have used pills and 7.7% used sharp objects in their suicide attempt. A negative relationship was found between Suicide Probability total score, subscales of Suicide Ideation and Negative Self-Evaluation and the Awareness of Symptoms subscale of Birchwood Insight Scale. A positive relationship was found between Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and the Hopelessness and Hostility subscales of the Suicide Probability Scale and a negative relationship was found between the subscales of Suicide Ideation and Negative Self-Evaluation. Conclusion: Suicide is a significant problem in schizophrenia. Our study has shown that the probability of suicide decreased in patients who are aware of the symptoms however that the most important factors in suicide were negative affect and hopelessness. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(4.000): 314-322]