Schizophrenia suicide rates are among the highest of any mental illness, but suicide prevention strategies can make a difference.
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Among its many challenges, one of the most concerning is the significantly increased risk of suicide.
Research indicates that individuals with schizophrenia are far more likely to attempt or die by suicide than the larger population. According to a 2019 review, about 1 in 10 people with schizophrenia die by suicide, with up to 5 in 10 attempting suicide at least once in their lifetime.
The reasons for this high suicide risk are complex, often involving many factors of schizophrenia, such as:
delusions
hallucinations
social isolation
depression
impaired judgment
Many individuals with schizophrenia have issues with the stigma of the condition, difficulty maintaining relationships, and barriers to accessing consistent treatment.
Despite these challenges, early intervention, comprehensive treatment, and strong support systems can significantly reduce the risk of suicide in individuals with schizophrenia.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Individuals with schizophrenia face a much higher risk of suicide than the larger population. Studies show that people with schizophrenia are more than 20 times more likely to die by suicide than the larger population.
The suicide risk in schizophrenia stems from multiple factors, including:
Depression: Many individuals with schizophrenia experience co-occurring depression, increasing their risk.
Awareness of illness: Those with more insight into their condition may feel distressed about their future or issues with stigma.
Social isolation: Difficulty maintaining relationships or securing employment can lead to loneliness and despair.
Command hallucinations: Some people with schizophrenia experience voices telling them to harm themselves.
Lack of treatment adherence: Many individuals stop taking medication, leading to worsening symptoms and impulsive behaviors.
Substance misuse: Drugs and alcohol increase impulsivity and worsen schizophrenia symptoms, further raising suicide risk.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder involving disruptions in thought processes, perception, emotions, and behavior. It affects about 1%Trusted Source of the global population. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.
In contrast, those who develop schizophrenia later in life or live in countries with strong mental health support systems tend to have a better outlook.
However, suicide remains the leading cause Trusted Source of early death in schizophrenia, with most individuals experiencing at least one episode of suicidal thoughts.
On average, individuals with schizophrenia have a life expectancy that is about 15 years shorter Trusted Source than the larger population due to lifestyle factors such as substance use, including smoking, and diet.
Despite these challenges, early intervention with medication, therapy, and social support can improve stability and quality of life.
Managing schizophrenia and reducing suicide risk requires a holistic approach. While antipsychotic medications help manage symptoms, therapy is crucial for emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Medication
Antipsychotic medications can help manage hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Options include:
Family therapy can also improve support networks and medication adherence.
Crisis intervention and hospitalization
A person may require hospitalization if they are at immediate risk of harming themselves. Crisis hotlines and psychiatric emergency services provide urgent care.
Lifestyle and social support
Stable housing and employment can reduce stress and isolation. Healthy routines such as regular exercise and sleep regulation improve mental stability. Avoiding drugs and alcohol can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides support groups and educational resources. Call 800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org.
People with schizophrenia face a significantly higher risk of suicide, with up to 1 in 10 people with schizophrenia dying by suicide and up to 5 in 10 attempting it.
The combination of delusions, hallucinations, depression, and social isolation makes suicide prevention crucial. Recognizing warning signs, ensuring proper treatment, and providing strong emotional support can significantly reduce suicide risk.
With the proper medical care, therapy, and community support, individuals with schizophrenia can lead typical lives while managing their condition effectively.
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