Suicide in schizophrenia

Suicidal behavior among schizophrenics is a major public health problem. Methods. The literature about the social, psychiatric and biologic risk factors for suicide among schizophrenics is reviewed. Conclusion. The schizophrenic at risk to commit suicide is young, male, in the first few years of illness, has a relapsing disorder, has reduced central serotonin, has been depressed in the past and recently has changed from in to outpatient care and is socially isolated.