Lifetime suicide intent, executive function and insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders

Abstract Objectives Lack of insight and neurocognitive deficits are often seen in schizophrenia patients. While there are several studies investigating the relationship between suicidal ideation, executive function and insight, there are relatively fewer investigating the triangular relationship bet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Schizophrenia research 2016-12, Vol.178 (1-3), p.12-16
Main Authors: Verma, Deepak, Srivastava, M.K, Singh, Sunil K, Bhatia, Triptish, Deshpande, Smita N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognition
Executive function
Insight
Psychiatry
Schizophrenia
Suicide intent
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Summary:Abstract Objectives Lack of insight and neurocognitive deficits are often seen in schizophrenia patients. While there are several studies investigating the relationship between suicidal ideation, executive function and insight, there are relatively fewer investigating the triangular relationship between suicide intent, insight and cognitive competence in schizophrenia. The aim of our study was to address this issue. Methods One hundred seventy five subjects with DSM-IV TR diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled and the diagnosis was established using the Hindi version of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies and other available information in consultation with a Board certified senior Psychiatrist. All the subjects were interviewed on Beck's cognitive insight scale and tested on the Trail Making Test. All the subjects who had lifetime history of suicide attempt were interviewed on Pierce's suicide intent scale. Results Ever attempters scored significantly higher on Beck's cognitive insight scale (p = 0.012) and outperformed non-attempters on Trail Making Test A and B (p = 0.026 and p = 0.012 respectively), indicating better executive functions in the former. However among ever attempters, significant relationship was not found between executive functions, insight and severity of suicide intent. Conclusion Our study suggests that good insight and better executive functioning may be significantly correlated with suicide attempts at some time during the course of illness. Patients with schizophrenia should be evaluated for potential suicidality once denial, neurocognitive deficits and other factors associated with poor insight abate.
ISSN:0920-9964
1573-2509
DOI:10.1016/j.schres.2016.08.009