Search results

Abstract. Background: While a history of suicide attempts has been identified as the most powerful risk factor among adults, it is not clear if this is also true for the adolescent population. Our aim was to examine the differences between attempters and nonattempters in the years following a documented suicide attempt and to investigate the adolescents' prognosis in terms of suicidal behavior and adjustment. Method: Military records at induction and during active military service were used to compare 105 adolescent suicide attempters with 105 matched controls. All were rated on cognitive/educational performance and psychosocial adaptation, psychological health diagnoses, and performance during their military service. Results: Suicide attempters had higher school dropout rates and lower scores on educational indicators. They registered more incidents of disciplinary and adjustment problems in the military. However, the overall prognosis of the suicide attempters appeared surprisingly good. No significant differences were found between the groups in suicide risk or in behavior in their military service. Limitations: Data were derived from the computerized records and no direct interviews were conducted with the participants. Conclusion: Attempted suicide in adolescence appears to be different in nature from attempted suicide in adulthood, and can be viewed as an indicator of social distress rather than as major risk factor of completed suicide. Implications in terms of intervention and prevention are discussed.

Background: The co-morbid occurrence of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia has recently begun to be investigated. Social anxiety may be especially important to diagnose and manage among patients with schizophrenia. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and correlates of social phobia in patients with schizophrenia. Method: Diagnosis of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders as well as co-morbid anxiety disorders was established according to DSM-IV and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis (SCID-P Hebrew version). Severity of psychotic symptoms and social anxiety symptoms was assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Results: The cohort studied included 117 patients with schizophrenia. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as suffering from co-morbid social phobia (11%). There was a tendency for patients with co-morbid social phobia to have higher severity PANSS total score. There was a significant correlation between the score of the LSAS `fear' and PANSS positive subscales. Avoidance scores were higher among patients with negative signs. Conclusion: Co-morbidity of schizophrenia and social anxiety disorder is not rare among patients with schizophrenia. Treatment implications need be further investigated.