Suicidal Ideation in First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Examination of Symptoms of Depression and Psychosis Among Individuals in an Early Phase of Treatment

First-episode psychosis (FEP) is a particularly high-risk period for suicide,
in which risk elevates by 60% within a first year of treatment as compared
to later stages of illness. To date, much of the literature has focused on individuals
with a longer duration of psychosis; thus, there is an urgency for research
to examine suicide risk among individuals in FEP in the beginning stage of
treatment. This study aimed to identify the relationships between demographic
characteristics, symptoms of depression, psychosis (particularly positive symptoms
of psychosis), and suicidal ideation among individuals in FEP. Secondary
data were obtained from National Institute of Mental Health’s Early Treatment
Program of the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode project
(N = 404). Consistent with prior research, participants who experienced suicidal
ideation during the study period reported having a longer duration of untreated
psychosis and greater symptoms of depression. Further, positive symptoms of
psychosis, namely hallucinations and delusions, were found to increase the odds
of experiencing suicidal ideation. Findings point toward the implication that
depression and positive symptoms of psychosis relate to the experience of suicidal
ideation among individuals with a FEP and should be evaluated for and
treated in the early stages of treatment.