RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The shorter life expectancy and increased risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia have been well documented. However, study outcomes on suicidality in this special population have been few to date. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation in a population of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-six patients with schizophrenia between the age of 18 and 65 years were randomly recruited. This cross-sectional study utilised the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS-AH). Univariate analysis was performed using an independent t-test or chi-square test, followed by binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with increased suicidal risks. RESULTS: The socio-demographic factors associated with suicidal ideation included level of education (p=0.039); secondary-level education (OR=5.76, 95% CI:1.49, 22.34, p=0.011) and tertiary-level education (OR=9.30, 95% CI: 1.80, 48.12, p=0.008) posed a greater risk. A history of attempted suicide (OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.36, p=0.049) and the presence of co-morbid physical illnesses (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.21, p=0.044) were also found to be associated with a suicidal ideation. Other significant factors associated with suicidal thoughts were concurrent depression (OR=9.68, 95% CI: 3.74, 25.05, p<0.001) and a higher PSYRATS score in emotional characteristics of auditory hallucinations (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.21, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Suicide in schizophrenia appears to be more closely associated with certain socio-demographic factors and affective symptoms. Appropriate screening and treatment addressing these challenges must be emphasized if suicidal thoughts and actions are to be reduced.
RESUMEN
Ketamine has shown effectiveness as a rapid-acting antidepressant with antisuicidal effects in terms of reduction of suicidal ideation in the short term. However, the evidence for long-term maintenance ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and suicidal behavior is limited. This case series (N=13) highlights the role of adjunctive serial maintenance ketamine infusions in restoring functionality in treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar (mixed) depression with significant suicide risk and multiple comorbidities, including alcohol dependence. Two cases of TRD achieved functional remission with long-term maintenance ketamine treatment. The first case illustrates the potential synergistic interaction between ketamine and lamotrigine to achieve a sustained antidepressant response in the patient for 7 months. The second case may possibly be the longest reported case of maintenance ketamine therapy, with treatment continuing for 5 years to date. Ketamine treatment showed acute effectiveness in another 7 cases, especially in terms of reduction of suicidal ideation, albeit without significant long-term antidepressant effect. Factors that may contribute to lack of effectiveness of serial ketamine include inadequate mood stabilization in TRD in bipolar spectrum diagnoses, concomitant benzodiazepine use, complex comorbidities, and adverse effects such as significant hypertension and severe dissociation. Future systematic controlled studies are warranted to establish the efficacy and safety profile of long-term ketamine as maintenance therapy for TRD with suicidal behavior.