A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Suicidal Intent in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Schizophrenia

Abstract Introduction: India reported significant rise of suicide rate. Obsessive compulsive Disorder (OCD), with high treatment non-response rates contributed to heightened suicide risks. Schizophrenia also shows high suicide rate, with nearly 50% of patients attempting suicide. Therefore, this study aimed to find out prevalence of suicidal intent and association of other variables among patients of OCD and schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder or schizophrenia. Participants were assessed for socio-demographic details, symptom severity, and suicidal ideation using Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and Scale for Suicide Ideation. This study examined suicide attempts and intent in both groups. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done. Results: The study included 60 patients with schizophrenia or OCD, showing a male predominance (M: F = 1.5:1). Overall, 38.33% had attempted suicide, with slightly higher rates in schizophrenia (39.47%) than OCD (36.36%) (p > 0.05). Schizophrenia patients had higher mean SSI scores (28.34 vs. 19.12, p = 0.004). Suicide risk was greater among females (p = 0.0027), divorced/unmarried individuals (p = 0.0002), and with increasing age (r = 0.842), while higher education (r = –0.724) and socioeconomic status (r = –0.638) were protective. Conclusion: Schizophrenia patients showed higher suicide attempts and intent than those with OCD. Major risk factors included female gender, unmarried status, severe OCD, older age, lower education, and poor socioeconomic status. Early detection and targeted intervention are vital to reduce suicide risk.