Factores de riesgo de suicidio en primeros episodios psicóticos.

Abstract

High suicide attempt rates have been reported in first episode psychosis patients, especially during the first stages of the disorder. Despite the huge number of studies that have analysed suicide risk factors, controversial results have been reported._x000D_ The objectives of this thesis were to analyse the time pattern of first suicide attempts after first episode of psychosis and test the association between personality traits and social cognition with suicide-related behaviours. It also analysed the possible influence of suicide-related behaviours and personality traits on psychosocial functioning after first episode of psychosis._x000D_ Sixty-five patients were evaluated at first contact with mental health services for psychotic symptoms and followed up for one year after the onset of the disorder. Sociodemographic, psychopathological and clinical assessments were done at first contact. Information about suicide-related behaviours and psychosocial functioning was acquired during the follow-up period._x000D_ We found that the majority of first suicide attempts took place during the first six months after the onset of the psychotic disorder. Personality traits were related to suicide-related behaviours. Specifically, passive-dependent personality traits were associated with first suicide attempts made over the first six months of the disorder, while schizoid personality traits were related to the presence of suicide-related behaviour during a 12-month follow-up. On the other hand, impairments in first-order false belief tasks predicted postpsychotic suicide attempts. There is also a relationship between attempting suicide and poorer personal care. Finally, the results showed the influence of personality traits, such as sociopathy and schizotypy, on personal care and occupational disability, respectively._x000D_ In the light of our findings, premorbid personality traits as well as social cognition impairments are important predictors of suicide-related behaviours. These results can contribute to the implementation of suicide prevention programmes. In addition, treatment strategies focusing on personality traits and the prevention of suicide could lead to functional recovery.

Date of Award	15 Jun 2018
Original language	Spanish
Supervisor	Miguel Ruiz Veguilla (Co-director) & Jordi Obiols Llandrich (Director)