Schizophrenia and Suicide: A 10-Year Review of Kentucky Medical Examiner Cases
: The risk of suicide is significantly increased in schizophrenics; it is estimated that 10–13% of individuals suffering from schizophrenia commit suicide. Schizophrenia is marked by psychotic exacerbations and remissions, with persistent deterioration in baseline functioning with each relapse. We...
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Published in | Journal of forensic sciences Vol. 52; no. 4; pp. 930 - 937 |
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Main Authors | , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Oxford, UK
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
01.07.2007
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | : The risk of suicide is significantly increased in schizophrenics; it is estimated that 10–13% of individuals suffering from schizophrenia commit suicide. Schizophrenia is marked by psychotic exacerbations and remissions, with persistent deterioration in baseline functioning with each relapse. We present a 10‐year (1993–2002) retrospective review of Medical Examiners’ cases of suicide of schizophrenic victims. Twenty‐nine cases were between the ages of 20 and 75 (mean age of 41.6 years). The majority of victims were male (62.1%) and Caucasian (86.2%). The leading method of suicide for both males and females was firearm injury (48.3%) mostly of the head, followed by overdose (20.7%), and hanging (13.8%). A comprehensive investigation of the biopsychosocial factors is warranted in cases of schizophrenics who commit suicide. This study offers an insightful analysis pertaining to the determination of intent in formulating the manner of death in this unique population. |
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Bibliography: | ark:/67375/WNG-RK0LTGQX-L ArticleID:JFO485 istex:0C26FF0752AF51088CB68ACB843BFB983321C3DF |
ISSN: | 0022-1198 1556-4029 |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00485.x |