There are many risk factors that can contribute to suicidal behavior for individuals experiencing psychosis including age, gender, marital status, phase of illness, employment status, history of attempts, presence of psychotic symptoms, depression, social functioning and social isolation, substance use, and cognitive inflexibility. The period of greatest risk for individuals with psychosis is during the first year after onset which usually occurs during the late teens to early twenties. Risk is generally high after the “post-psychotic” period or up to 6 months after hospital discharge. Although young age and early phase of illness are key high risk factors, suicidal ideation and behavior can persist throughout the lifespan for individuals with psychotic disorders. Let’s examine the key risk factors for psychosis in general.
Research has shown that protective factors are associated with reduced risk of suicide in people with psychotic disorders. Experts have identified several important protective factors.
For a comprehensive review of this topic, see the SAMHSA webinar Recognizing Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Individuals with First Episode Psychosis.
For help with managing suicidal individuals see ZeroSuicide.