The onset of first episode psychosis (FEP) is a period of increased risk of suicide, which is 60% higher than in other stages of the disease. This work explored suicidal behaviour and its most relevant factors in a population with FEP and a healthy control (HC) sample. We used the Suicide Risk Scale of Plutchik (SRSP) to assess suicide behaviour, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered to assess the severity of depression, mania, psychosocial functioning, perceived stress and psychopathology, respectively. Patients with FEP showed a higher prevalence in all measures of suicide behaviour than HC. Younger age and depressive symptoms were the most important predictors of suicide ideation and suicide attempt. More perceived stress and higher hopelessness were the most relevant predictors of suicide risk. Symptoms did not appear to be important factors in suicide behaviour. Younger age, perceived stress and depressive symptoms seem to be the most important factors in suicide behaviours in FEP.
Keywords: age; depression; perceived stress; psychosis; suicidal behaviour.
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