Suicide in patients under care of first-episode psychosis service

Abstract

Recognition of suicide risk factors in patients presenting with psychotic illness is of the utmost importance. In their study, the authors identified two important issues in the cohort of patients who died of unnatural causes/suicide, highlighting a need for clinicians to be aware of these risk factors and make efforts to establish a therapeutic relationship, providing appropriate support to patients to help them to develop an awareness of their suicide risk and to empower them to resist their suicidal thoughts.

Psychotic disorders are associated with a high risk of suicide or severe suicide attempt. The lifetime risk of suicide in individuals with schizophrenia is approximately 10%.1 Studies2 have shown that young age, suicide plans, and a history of suicide attempt are important risk factors for attempted suicide after the first contact with mental health services. Early intervention services aim to assess, and devise an appropriate care plan for those identified to be at risk.

The Psychosis Intervention and Early Recovery (PIER) team provides a specialised community-based service to patients aged 14–64 years experiencing the first episode of psychosis, covering a population of over one million in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The PIER team was established in 2005. Patients are referred to the PIER team from primary and secondary care services, including other mental health services.