BACKGROUND - Schizophrenia which is a chronic and severe mental disorder having a significant impact on an individual’s life. The burden of chronicity of illness subjects the individual to depression and hopelessness leading to suicide. Hence, through this study we aim to explore the depression and suicidality in schizophrenic individuals. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES- To determine the prevalence of depression and suicidal thoughts among people with schizophrenia who receive follow-up care in the OPD or admitted in psychiatry department METHODOLOGY – The study was a hospital based cross- sectional study and conducted among patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A semi- structured interview was developed to collect the data which included the socio-demographic details and disease related characteristics and tools like Calgary Depression Rating Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were applied on the patients. RESULTS- The results showed that majority of the study population belonged to the age group of 21-30 years of age with significant association found between education and occupation in sociodemographic variables and duration of illness, drug compliance, past suicidal attempts and insight in clinical variables. CONCLUSION- From our study it was concluded that the impact of sociodemographic and clinical variable on the prevalence of depression and suicidality has a positive role, directing the course of illness.

schizophrenia, depression and suicidality.