Attempted Suicide in Asian Patients with First Episode Psychosis
Poster A46, Thursday, October 20, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Sujatha Rao1,2, Lye Yin Poon1, Verma Swapna1,2; 1Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, 2DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of suicide attempts in patients presenting with first episode psychosis and to identify any correlation with clinical variables. Methods: Patients with first episode psychosis accepted into the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP), Singapore from 2004 to 2016 were assessed for a history of attempted suicide. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) symptoms and DUP behaviour were assessed at first contact with the service. Psychopathology for positive, negative, depressive, general and total symptoms was assessed using the PANSS. Correlation with specific component of lack of judgement and insight was also assessed. Results: 236 (11%) patients from a total of 1993 had a history of suicide attempts. 52% were males and there was no significant correlation between gender and suicidal attempts. There was also no significant correlation between suicide attempts and DUP (symptoms), PANSS total scores, PANSS positive, PANSS negative and PANSS general psychopathology scores. However, suicide attempts were higher and significantly correlated with patients with a longer DUP (behaviour) (p=.007) and depression component of the PANSS (p=.000) Conclusion: Although studies have shown a correlation between positive psychotic symptoms with higher suicide attempts, this observational study did not reveal similar findings. The study replicated the association of depressive symptoms with higher risk of suicide attempts which has been established in other studies. The significant association between suicide attempts and DUP (behaviour) emphasizes the importance of early intervention and treatment in patients with first episode psychosis.
Topic Area: Epidemiology