The relationship between chronotype and suicide probability and suicidal behavior in patients with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is among the psychiatric disorders that are at high risk for suicide. The fact that there is no warning before the suicide attempt in schizophrenia patients or the intention is not verbally stated makes it difficult to predict suicide in these patients. Therefore, suicidal behavior in schizophrenia patients has not been sufficiently elucidated and is a condition that can be overlooked. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between chronotype and suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with schizophrenia. The study was conducted using quantitative research methods, cross-sectionally and using purposeful sampling. This study, planned with patients applying to the outpatient clinic at Van YYU Dursun Odabaşı Medical Center, used self-report scales. Personal information form developed by the researcher by reviewing the literature, Morningness-Eveningness Scale (SAÖ), Suicide Probability Scale, Suicidal Behavior Scale, Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) were used as data collection tools. Before the interview, participants signed an informed consent form. The study sample consisted of patients between the ages of 18-65 who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The mean age of the participants was 37.369.92, 36.9% (n=31) were female and 63.12% (n=53) were male. 32.1% (n=27) of the participants were found to be "morning type", 46.4% (n=39) were found to be "intermediate type" and 21.4% were found to be "evening type". The participants' Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire mean score was 51.92±13.60, SPS total mean score was 79.98±13.80, SPS mean score was 2.33±2.49, PBDS total mean score was 37.08±18.84 and NBDS total mean score was 29.92±15.61. The data obtained show that not only psychopathological symptoms but also individual biological rhythm differences may affect the risk of suicide in schizophrenia patients. The significant relationships found in the study, especially between morningness-eveningness tendencies and the possibility of suicide and suicidal behavior, revealed that chronobiological factors are important variables that should be taken into consideration in the course of mental illnesses and risk management.