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Early insight predicts depression and attempted suicide after 4 years in first-episode schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder.

Crumlish N, Whitty P, Kamali M, Clarke M, Browne S, McTigue O, Lane A, Kinsella A, Larkin C, O'Callaghan E

Stanley Research Unit, Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hospitaller Order of St John of God, Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, Ireland.

OBJECTIVE: To map the development of insight in the 4 years after presentation with first-episode schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder and to determine the effects of evolving insight on depression and the likelihood of attempted suicide. METHOD: We assessed 101 individuals at presentation, 6 months and 4 years. We measured insight, including recognition of mental illness, recognition of need for treatment and ability to relabel psychotic symptoms. We measured depression and recorded all suicide attempts. RESULTS: Insight improved with time. Recognition of mental illness at 6 months predicted depression and attempted suicide at 4 years. CONCLUSION: Six months after presentation, the greater the acknowledgement by people that they had a mental illness, the more depressed they were at 4 years and the greater the likelihood that they would attempt suicide by 4 years. This may have implications for disclosure of diagnosis.

Published 10 November 2005 in Acta Psychiatr Scand, 112(6): 449-55.
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