People with schizophrenia and related disorders are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including conviction of a violent offence, suicide, and premature mortality. However, the rates of, and risk factors for, these outcomes need clarification as a basis for population-based and targeted interventions. We aimed to determine rates and risk factors for these outcomes, and investigate to what extent they are shared across outcomes and are specific to schizophrenia and related disorders.
People with schizophrenia have increased risks for a range of adverse outcomes, including violent outcomes,1 suicide,2 and premature mortality,3 compared with the general population. Odds of violent behaviour are reportedly up to seven-times higher in these patients than in the general population.1 For suicide, standardised mortality ratios are reportedly between 10 and 20, with a lifetime risk of 5%.2 High rates of overall mortality have also been reported,3 and 4 although less is known about premature mortality. Research has focused on these outcomes separately, and rates and risk factors for any adverse outcome are rarely reported.5 Furthermore, little is known about the risk factors that lead to these outcomes, whether they are modifiable, and to what extent the factors are shared across the outcomes. Such information is necessary to trial therapies and preventive strategies to mitigate risks. Additionally, risk factor information is necessary to develop clinical prediction rules that would help in risk assessment.6