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Psychosis and Suicide

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Suicide Prevention

Abstract

Among the 21 million people in the world with schizophrenia, the risk of suicide is high. Some studies indicate that about ¼ of schizophrenics will attempt suicide, while others place the estimate higher. There is agreement that the time between diagnosis and engagement with evidence-based treatment for first-episode psychosis is a time of high risk for suicide. Early identification and intervention can be helpful, and protective factors can be strengthened. The chapter discusses screening and assessment instruments specific to psychosis and suicide. Connecting with treatment providers early after the discovery of psychosis is key, as is working with a psychiatrist to find the most helpful medication regimen. Evidence-based treatments are reviewed. It is recommended that patients with psychosis should be carefully monitored for suicide risk.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Epilepsy Center/ Psychiatry Department, Neurological Institute - Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Tatiana Falcone M.D., M.P.H.

  2. Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Migle Staniskyte B.A.

  3. Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Jane Timmons-Mitchell Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Tatiana Falcone M.D., M.P.H.
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  2. Migle Staniskyte B.A.
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  3. Jane Timmons-Mitchell Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Tatiana Falcone M.D., M.P.H. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Epilepsy Center/ Psychiatry Department, Neurological Institute - Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Tatiana Falcone

  2. Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Sciences School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Jane Timmons-Mitchell

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Falcone, T., Staniskyte, M., Timmons-Mitchell, J. (2018). Psychosis and Suicide. In: Falcone, T., Timmons-Mitchell, J. (eds) Suicide Prevention. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74391-2_3

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