Sudden death among young people with first-episode psychosis: An 8-10 year follow-up study

Robinson, Jo; Harris, Meredith; Cotton, Sue; Hughes, Ally; Conus, Philippe; Lambert, Martin; Schimmelmann, Benno G; McGorry, Patrick (2010). Sudden death among young people with first-episode psychosis: An 8-10 year follow-up study. Psychiatry research, 177(3), pp. 305-8. Amsterdam: Elsevier 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.03.013

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Individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) experience high rates of premature mortality, in particular due to suicide. The study aims were to: a) Estimate the rate of sudden death among young people with FEP during an 8-10 year period following commencement of treatment; b) Examine and describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with sudden death; and c) Examine the timing of death in relation to psychiatric treatment.This was a cohort study. The sample comprised 661 patients accepted into treatment at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre between 1/1/1998 and 31/12/2000. Demographic and clinical data were collected by examination of the medical files. Mortality data were collected via a search of the National Coroners Information System; the Victorian State Coroner's office and clinical files. Nineteen patients died and just over two thirds of deaths were classified as intentional self-harm or suicide. Death was associated with male gender, previous suicide attempt and greater symptom severity at last contact. People with FEP are at increased risk of premature death, in particular suicide. A previous suicide attempt was very common amongst those who died, suggesting that future research could focus upon the development of interventions for young people with FEP who engage in suicidal behaviour.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > University Psychiatric Services > University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

UniBE Contributor:

Schimmelmann, Benno Karl Edgar

ISSN:

0165-1781

Publisher:

Elsevier

Language:

English

Submitter:

Myriam Pyrlik

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 14:11

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:01

Publisher DOI:

10.1016/j.psychres.2010.03.013

PubMed ID:

20413163

Web of Science ID:

000278659600006

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/1708 (FactScience: 203638)

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