Abstract
Objective. To present current views on socio-demographic risk factors for suicide in schizophrenia.
Review. Research results show that male schizophrenic patients are more likely to commit suicide than female, and also that young adults are more prone to commit suicide. White people are more at risk of committing suicide. Several studies indicated an increased suicide risk among patients living alone and not being in a relationship. Having children does not seem to affect suicide risk in schizophrenia, although some studies suggest a protective role of this factor. However, childlessness increases the probability of attempting suicide by women in the course of schizophrenia. In the light of current research findings unemployment is also regarded as a risk factor. Some authors indicate that college or university education is related to a higher risk of suicide.
Conclusions. Identification of the patient's risk factors can be crucial for predicting and preventing suicide in individual cases.