Attempted suicide in old age

Journal/Book: Int J Geriat Psychiat. 1996; 11: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 577-587.

Abstract: Studies of attempted suicide (parasuicide, deliberate self-harm) in old age published between 1985 and 1994 are critically reviewed with reference to demography, suicide methods, stressors, psychiatric features and outcome. Despite methodological weaknesses, the studies consistently identified a number of factors long regarded as being associated with suicidal behaviour in old age. These include being unmarried, social isolation, impaired physical health, high suicidal intent and mental illness (particularly major depression). In contrast to earlier research, recent studies have found relationship problems to be a prominent factor. However, in the past decade there has been inadequate examination of psychosocial precipitants, motivations and psychopathology and the manner in which these factors interact. The possibilities of the psychological trait of hopelessness and the biological trait of low central serotonergic activity being linked with suicide attempts in the elderly require further research. Future studies should be prospective, longitudinal, use standardized measures, matched control groups and include evaluations of postsuicide attempt interventions, hopelessness and central serotonergic activity.

Note: Editorial B Draper, Prince Henry Hosp, Acad Dept Psychogeriatr, Little Bay, NSW 2036, Australia

Keyword(s): elderly; parasuicide; deliberate self-harm; depression; DELIBERATE SELF-HARM; ELDERLY PSYCHIATRIC-INPATIENTS; CSF 5-HIAA; HOPELESSNESS; IDEATION; LONDON; LIFE

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