Chronic auditory hallucinations and suicide risk factors in schizophrenia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the social and clinical consequences of individuals diagnosed as schizophrenic suffering from persistent (chronic) auditory hallucinations. Twenty chronic auditory hallucinating schizophrenics were compared to twenty non-hallucinating schizophrenics on demographic variables that predict suicide risk (e.g., history of attempted suicide. hopelessness, loneliness, self-esteem and employment history). The results showed that the hallucinators had more frequently attempted suicide in the past, showed higher levels of hopelessness and loneliness and lower levels of self-esteem. Results also showed that hallucinators had a less stable employment history and were less hopeful of getting a job in the future. It was concluded that, given the prevalence of these suicide risk factors in the chronic hallucinators group, they were at increased risk of suicide.