Psychotic disorders: suicide risk in schizophrenia: practice question

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Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Young man early in illness, good premorbid function, preserved insight, depressed

In schizophrenia the risk of suicide is highest in young men in the early years of illness who were high-functioning before onset, have insight into the loss they face, and are depressed or hopeless. Poor insight and prominent negative symptoms are comparatively less associated with suicide.

Option by option

• A. Middle-aged man with severe negative symptoms and no depression

  Severe negative symptoms without depression carry less suicide risk than the profile with hopelessness.

• B. Elderly woman with chronic residual illness, flat affect, no insight

  Chronic residual illness with flat affect and poor insight is a lower-risk profile.

• C. Patient in a supervised residence, stable and adherent to treatment

  Stable, supervised and adherent patients are at lower risk because of support and treatment.

• D. Young man early in illness, good premorbid function, preserved insight, depressed (correct)

  Correct. Young age, male sex, early illness, high premorbid function, insight and depression raise suicide risk.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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