Suicide among individuals with schizophrenia: A risk factor model

• Published in: Social work in mental health 2016-03, Vol.14 (2), p.112-132
• Main Authors: Bornheimer, Lindsay A., Nguyen, Duy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: conceptual model; mental health; schizophrenia; Social work; suicide
• ISSN: 1533-2985; 1533-2993
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2014.946549

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of death among individuals with schizophrenia. In order to prevent premature suicidal death and improve the quality of life among individuals with schizophrenia, conceptual models are needed to understand the mechanisms of suicide risk. This article reviews the theoretical perspectives of schizophrenia, suicide, and the intersection of schizophrenia and suicide to develop a conceptual basis for future prevention and intervention efforts by health and mental health practitioners and researchers. A better explanation and understanding of risk factors for suicide has the potential to play a larger role in treatment and recovery of schizophrenia, and prevent premature suicidal death. As a result of the absence to date of theoretically driven and empirically testable models of suicidal behaviors tailored for individuals with schizophrenia, the current article proposes a model of suicide risk specific to individuals with schizophrenia to increase understanding of risk and to inform prevention efforts.