According to Dr. Michael Roizen, suicide is the leading cause of premature death in people with schizophrenia. 1 in 10 people will take his own life which is exponentially higher than the national average, which says that 1 in 10,000 people will take his own life.
The reasons for this high rate of suicide in schizophrenic patients include the mental unrest of these individuals who often experience delusions and hallucinations that can lead them to harm themselves. About half of all people with schizophrenia have admitted to trying to or actually going through with harming themselves.
While these urges can be lessened in severity by medication and therapy, those dealing with schizophrenia who do not take their prescribed antipsychotic drugs as directed are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
The suicide rate is significantly higher in patients with paranoid schizophrenia than in patients with other types of schizophrenia. Additionally, most people with schizophrenia who commit suicide do so before age 30 if they do it at all, and the rate of suicide in men with schizophrenia is higher than that of women with schizophrenia.
Since the suicide rates in schizophrenic patients are higher than those in most other patients of mental illness, it is crucial that schizophrenic patients are carefully monitored for suicidal behaviors. Families, friends, and support systems of individuals with schizophrenia must ensure that these patients are getting the care that they need from their doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists.
It is vital that patients feel as comfortable as possible with their medical and mental health professionals so that, should they begin to feel suicidal urges, they can share those thoughts with their care team and be treated for them.
Some treatment options for suicidal thoughts may include a change in antipsychotic medication, as certain medications can cause suicidal behaviors as a side effect in some patients, or a different approach to the patient’s psychiatric therapy.
Keeping an open line of communication with patients of schizophrenia is crucial, though it can also be difficult, in helping them avoid and control their suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one is suffering from schizophrenia and has had or continues to have suicidal thoughts or urges, the most important thing is to consult with your doctor immediately.
If you feel you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Suicide is preventable, and schizophrenia is treatable. Let us join you in the fight against mental illness.