(PS7-88) Examination of Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Behavior in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder from an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital

Introduction: Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States and continues to be a major public health concern globally. Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders face a lower life expectancy than the general population (Sher, L., & Kahn, R. S., 2019). Prior literature indicates the lifetime rate of individuals with schizophrenia who die by suicide is between 4% and 13%; whereas the reported rates of attempted suicide have vastly varied between 18% to 55% in the literature (Sher, L., & Kahn, R. S., 2019). Limited information is known about the differences in immediate context surrounding suicidal thoughts and behaviors for SSD in the early and later phase of the illness. The present study has an explorative aim to characterize the context immediately preceding suicidal ideations and behaviors, on intensity and lethality, in individuals with SSD in the early phase of the illness compared to later stages.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for an urban inpatient psychiatric hospital for patients admitted between May 2022 to June 2022. 308 records with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and psychosis were identified and included in the present study. Information collected through the course of clinical care including the C-SSRS, psychiatric diagnosis, duration of symptoms, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior history, preceding factors and emotions leading to admission were reviewed. SAFE-T Protocol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009) will be utilized to identify risk and protective factors. The present study will intensity and lethality of suicidal behaviors and differences in SSDs utilizing a retrospective application of the Lifetime C-SSRS Rating Scale’s Suicidal Behaviors section (Posner et al., 2011).

Results: A preliminary finding suggests a diverse of themes of precipitating factors and emotions led to inpatient psychiatric admissions.

Conclusion: The findings and limitations will be discussed.