Suicide in old age: A tragedy of neglect

Author(s): Mcbride, H.

Journal/Book: Can J Psychiatry. 1996; 41: Suite 200, 237 Argyle Ave, Ottawa on K2P 1B8, Canada. Canadian Psychiatric Assoc. 217-222.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the incidence and treatment of depression in geriatric suicide. Method: All coroners' records, autopsy and police reports for suicide victims aged 65+ in Ontario (n = 543) over 3 years were examined. Results: Over 80% of the elderly who committed suicide received no psychiatric referral. Of the sample, 87% were untreated while only 13% received antidepressants. Tricyclics, which are lethal in overdose, were the drugs of choice. None of the sample was treated with the safer specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Females were 3 times as likely to be treated as were males, and those seeing psychiatrists were 4 times more likely to be treated with antidepressants than those seeing general practitioners (GPs). The physically ill were rarely treated Conclusions: These findings suggest that early geropsychiatric assessment and vigorous treatment could prevent many suicides in old age.

Note: Article G Duckworth, 101 Queensway W, Suite 136, Mississauga, on L5B 2P7, Canada

Keyword(s): suicide; geriatric; diagnoses; depression; treatment antidepressants; physical illness; referral; stigma; GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS; FOLLOW-UP; DEPRESSION; RECOGNITION; QUESTIONNAIRE; PHYSICIANS; FLUOXETINE; DISORDERS; ANXIETY; STROKE

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