Definition of suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia (literature review)

Background. Currently, there is no generally accepted reliable method for determining (including comparison, measurement) suicide risk. Many authors point out a large number of false results when assessing suicide risk using simple generally accepted methods. In this review, we propose considering the assessment of suicide risk using the example of the definition (formulation) of suicide risk. The formulation of suicide risk is a comprehensive assessment of many factors using a person-centered approach. When formulating the suicide risk, four groups of parameters are assessed. The first group, suicide risk status, includes an assessment of general risk factors typical for patients with schizophrenia. The second group - the state of risk of suicidal behavior (suicide risk state), assesses the risk for a person in comparison with his/her condition before the disease or without an exacerbation of the disease. The third group allows us to identify the availability of resources that exist for a given patient and which he/she could use to prevent suicidal behavior. The fourth group includes predictable events that could increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Numerous data indicate individual, clinical, social and psychological risk factors for suicide in patients with schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, the model for formulating suicide risk allows the clinician to assess the patient’s current condition and choose a personalized treatment strategy for a particular patient with an emphasis on activities aimed at preventing suicidal behavior.