Half of schizophrenics will attempt suicide

SUICIDE is the leading cause of premature death for people with schizophrenia.

More than half the people with the illness will attempt suicide and one in ten will die by suicide.

The stark figures have prompted the release today of a major new discussion document in a bid to tackle the crisis.

John Saunders, director of Schizophrenia Ireland, said he hoped the document, Supporting Life: Suicide Prevention for Mental Healthcare Service Users, would encourage discussion and suggest ways of reducing the suicide risk.

The document shows that those with schizophrenia most at risk are young, single, unemployed males who are in the early stage of the illness, prone to frequent relapses and who are highly educated.

People with schizophrenia are more likely to be suicidal at the following times:

* In the early stages of their illness.

* Early in recovery, when outwardly their symptoms are better but internally they feel vulnerable.

* Early in a relapse, when they feel they have overcome the problem, but the symptoms recur.

* Soon after discharge from hospital.

“The reasons why people die by suicide are many and varied and in many cases it is difficult to ascertain a precise reason,” Mr Saunders said.

“The purpose of this document is to encourage discussion around these at-risk groups and to suggest ways that we can assist in reducing that risk.”

Strategies outlined include:

* Early detection of schizophrenia and comprehensive treatment.

* Treatment with the newer anti-psychotic medications which have fewer side effects. One drug, clozapine, is associated with reducing suicidal behaviour.

* Providing adequate shelter, financial security and social support are essential to recovery.

* Stressing the importance of maintaining good physical health.

The document’s launch today is the first of a series of activities to mark Schizophrenia Ireland’s national awareness week, Lucia Week - named after James Joyce’s daughter Lucia, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her early twenties.

Regional launches will take place later in Cork, Longford, Dundalk, Galway, Kilkenny and Limerick.

It is estimated that as many as 39,000 people in Ireland (one in 100) have schizophrenia. Latest figures show that 444 people died by suicide in Ireland in 2003, almost 100 more than died on the roads.

Schizophrenia Ireland is the national organisation dedicated to upholding the rights and addressing the needs of those affected and their caring relatives.

It offers a wide range of services including support groups, an information helpline, social and vocational rehabilitation initiatives, suicide prevention programmes and counselling.

Meanwhile, a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention is due to be launched in early autumn.

* Helpline lo-call 1890-621 631, 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday or www.sirl.ie