Schizophrenia And Suicide

Why an entire volume on suicide in schizophrenia? It would appear that international literature already provides enough information in this field. Also, the daily growing number of papers on suicide among schizophrenic are certainly a more updated source of information may contribute to the reduction of deaths by suicide among these patients. Yet, as in the case of suicide as a whole, this progress of knowledge does not match with reduction of suicide rates, let alone reduction of suicide rates among people with schizophrenia. Maybe a summary, an overview that cannot be achieved with a simple Medline search may help those who are involved and those who should be involved in the prevention of self-killing of schizophrenic patients. This book, therefore, reports essays of some of the opinion leaders in the field with the aim to shed light to such overwhelming phenomenon.

A concise review of current research into suicide providing a guide to understanding this disease and its increasing incidence globally.

In Schizophrenia and Suicide: Finding Hope, Meaning, and Direction, the author shares how, as a person with schizophrenia, the thought of suicide, for her, and also for others with this disease, can be a constant threat to their well-being. In this book she explores the topic of survival for people who have a mental illness, for whom self-destruction through suicide is all too common in the age of medicines, psychotherapies, and peer counselling. In addition, what role do faith communities play in counteracting this affliction and what are the responsibilities of the mentally ill, themselves, in choosing life over death by finding real meaning for their lives?

The treatment of early psychosis has been bedevilled by an entrenched pessimism, stemming from the asylum era and the Kraepelinian model of schizophrenia. More recently, however, there has been a surge of interest in preventively oriented treatment of patients showing the first signs of psychotic illness, with the realization that these illnesses are frequently highly responsive to early treatment. This is the first text to focus on the potential of early detection of psychosis, and the practicalities of treatment. Based on the pioneering experience and research of a now well-established prevention and intervention centre, and with contributions from international authorities, the book outlines a framework for intervention, reviews the evidence available to guide clinical practice, and describes models of treatment. Incorporating many personal narratives and case histories, it is strong on theory, sensitive on practical issues, and will challenge, inform and guide clinicians.

With recent studies using genetic, epigenetic, and other molecular and neurochemical approaches, a new era has begun in understanding pathophysiology of suicide. Emerging evidence suggests that neurobiological factors are not only critical in providing potential risk factors but also provide a promising approach to develop more effective treatment and prevention strategies. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide discusses the most recent findings in suicide neurobiology. Psychological, psychosocial, and cultural factors are important in determining the risk factors for suicide; however, they offer weak prediction and can be of little clinical use. Interestingly, cognitive characteristics are different among depressed suicidal and depressed nonsuicidal subjects, and could be involved in the development of suicidal behavior. The characterization of the neurobiological basis of suicide is in delineating the risk factors associated with suicide. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide focuses on how and why these neurobiological factors are crucial in the pathogenic mechanisms of suicidal behavior and how these findings can be transformed into potential therapeutic applications.

Recent research in the area of suicidology has provided significant new insights in the epidemiological,psychopathological,and biological characteristics of suicidal behaviour. The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide is the first book to bring together this expertise and translate it into practical guidelines for those responsible for policy issues and for those involved in the treatment and prevention of suicidal behaviour. Leading international authorities provide a truly comprehensive and research-based reference to understanding, treating, and preventing suicidal behaviour. They explore concepts and theories which best guide work within this field and detail key research which has supported conceptual developments, preventive interventions and clinical treatment. "No self-respecting worker in deliberate self-harm and suicide prevention, either clinical or research, can afford to be without access to this comprehensive handbook - possession and regular use, may well become a marker of serious involvement in the subject! ...This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date, informative and well-written source of information on sucide and suicidal behaviour...an invaluable work of reference which will be essential for clinicians and researchers for many years to come." —Andrew Sims, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK - British Journal of Psychiatry

In Schizophrenia and Suicide: Finding Hope, Meaning, and Direction, the author shares how, as a person with schizophrenia, the thought of suicide, for her, and also for others with this disease, can be a constant threat to their well-being. In this book she explores the topic of survival for people who have a mental illness, for whom self-destruction through suicide is all too common in the age of medicines, psychotherapies, and peer counselling. In addition, what role do faith communities play in counteracting this affliction and what are the responsibilities of the mentally ill, themselves, in choosing life over death by finding real meaning for their lives?

Part of the authoritative Oxford Textbooks in Psychiatry series, the new edition of the Oxford Textbook of Suicidology and Suicide Prevention remains a key text in the field of suicidology, fully updated with new chapters devoted to major psychiatric disorders and their relation to suicide.