Risk factors for deliberate self-harm and completed suicide in young Chinese people with schizophrenia

Objectives: Suicide is best conceptualized as a risk rather than all-or-none behaviour. In the literature the majority of suicide studies have adopted a cross-sectional case-control design. Longitudinal design should be used in order to account for the time dimension of variables. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify risk factors and calculate hazard ratios for suicidal behaviour in young Chinese people suffering from schizophrenia. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort design, 234 subjects with schizophrenia in the Early Assessment Service for Young People with Psychosis service were recruited and data retrieved from case notes and discharge summaries. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to analyse potential risk factors. Results: Traditional risk factors were confirmed to be applicable to the present subjects. Continuing medication was a protective factor while hallucination was a risk factor for suicide. Conclusion: The limitations of the present study were due to its retrospective design, reliance on past records, and the large Type II error. A prospective cohort study design is recommended for future research in this area.