Suicidal behaviors and their relationship with psychotic-like symptoms in children and adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis

Abstract

Background Previous research has demonstrated elevated rates of suicide attempts and ideation in individuals with psychosis. This study investigated rates and severity of suicidal behavior in youth with and at clinical high risk for psychosis, and examined the positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms associated with suicidal behaviors among the clinical high risk group. Methods Eighty-six youth ages 7–18 (n = 21 non-clinical controls [NCC], n = 40 clinical high risk [CHR], n = 25 diagnosed psychotic disorder [PD]) were recruited. CHR and PD participants were identified using the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS) and Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version (KSADS-PL). All participants completed the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Results Findings indicated significantly higher levels of suicidal behavior among CHR and PD relative to NCC participants (F = 7.64, p = 0.001). 17.5% of CHR participants had previously attempted suicide. Dysphoric Mood and Odd Behavior or Appearance were significantly correlated with suicidal behavior severity among CHR youth. Conclusion Suicidal behavior was observed with greater frequency and severity in the CHR and PD groups than in the NCC group. CHR suicidal behavior severity was correlated most strongly with Dysphoric Mood and Odd Behavior or Appearance, a relationship which warrants further investigation.