Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of old-old suicide attempters compared with young-old and middle-aged attempters (original) (raw)
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Evaluation of socio-demographic factors and attempted suicides in the elderly
2021
Introduction: The aim of this study is to reveal the socio-demographic and certain clinical characteristics of elderly patients admitted to the emergency department after a suicide attempt. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The universe of the study consisted of 96 patients aged 60 and over who were admitted to emergency department of Izmir Dokuz Eylul University Hospital between 2015-2019 due to a suicide attempt. Information for the study was obtained by retrospectively scanning the files of the patients. Results: Mean age of the 96 patients included in the study was 68.22 ± 9.45 years. The most common suicide method among the patients was drug overdose (n: 59, 61.45%). It was found that 45.05% of the patients who attempted suicide had a known psychiatric diagnosis (n:41). The suicide rate of women (n:42, 43.75%) who were primary school graduates (p=0.026), had a known psychiatric illness (p=0.001), continuously used drugs (p=0.002) and used antidepressants (p<0.001) wa...
Elderly suicide attempters: characteristics and outcome
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2006
PurposeWe made a descriptive survey to assess the outcome of elderly patients discharged from a hospital psychiatric service after a suicide attempt (rates of overall mortality and repeat attempts), to identify the factors that had a significant impact on their survival and to determine patient characteristics.We made a descriptive survey to assess the outcome of elderly patients discharged from a hospital psychiatric service after a suicide attempt (rates of overall mortality and repeat attempts), to identify the factors that had a significant impact on their survival and to determine patient characteristics.MethodsFifty-nine suicide attempters over 60 years of age admitted to hospital between 1993 and 2000 were included in the study. Their outcome was assessed by questioning their attending physicians over the telephone. We traced 51 of the 59 patients; 8 were lost to follow-up. Statistical analysis (Log Rank tests, Cox model) was computed to determine which factors altered the overall survival and the survival without further attempt.The patients sociodemographic, medical and psychiatric characteristics were recorded from hospital patient files.Fifty-nine suicide attempters over 60 years of age admitted to hospital between 1993 and 2000 were included in the study. Their outcome was assessed by questioning their attending physicians over the telephone. We traced 51 of the 59 patients; 8 were lost to follow-up. Statistical analysis (Log Rank tests, Cox model) was computed to determine which factors altered the overall survival and the survival without further attempt.The patients sociodemographic, medical and psychiatric characteristics were recorded from hospital patient files.ResultsElderly suicide attempters showed an increased mortality from suicide and natural causes and the risk of a repeat attempt increased in female patients with memory disorders. The factors altering survival were advanced age, pre-existing physical disability, several co-existing physical illnesses, severe physical consequences of the suicide attempt, history of psychiatric illness other than depression, memory disorders and one previous suicide attempt.The elderly suicide attempter was most likely to be a widowed woman suffering from social isolation, loneliness and depression.Elderly suicide attempters showed an increased mortality from suicide and natural causes and the risk of a repeat attempt increased in female patients with memory disorders. The factors altering survival were advanced age, pre-existing physical disability, several co-existing physical illnesses, severe physical consequences of the suicide attempt, history of psychiatric illness other than depression, memory disorders and one previous suicide attempt.The elderly suicide attempter was most likely to be a widowed woman suffering from social isolation, loneliness and depression.ConclusionElderly suicide attempters remained both physically and mentally vulnerable after their attempt. A repeat act represents a turning point in personal life progression which it is essential to detect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Elderly suicide attempters remained both physically and mentally vulnerable after their attempt. A repeat act represents a turning point in personal life progression which it is essential to detect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Study of Attempted Suicide Among Fifty Older People
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
BACKGROUND: The older people in India are considered happiest as they live in well integrated surroundings and are respected in the family. However, the changing trends of family life, children leaving parents in search of job, elder abuse, being lonely, depression and lack of social support make the seniors attempt to end their life. This study attempted to know the incidence, pattern of attempted suicide, risk factors and its outcome among the older people (>60yrs) admitted in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective clinical profile of the fifty older people admitted to the hospital for having attempted suicide over five years are included to study the pattern of attempted suicide, risk factors, access to first aid, co morbid conditions, complications and outcome. RESULTS: Majority of the older people (86%) were in age group of young old. Organophosphorus compound was commonly used by 70% of participants to end their life. Factors like Depression and Abus...
2 Epidemiology of Suicide in the Elderly
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 1992
Suicide rates in the United States and most other countries are higher among the elderly than among the population as a whole. Typically, rates peak in older adulthood. Epidemiological data for the current levels and trends in suicide among the elderly are presented with a focus on United States figures. Age, sex, race, marital status, and methods of suicide as factors in suicide among the old are detailed, followed by a discussion of past trends and future predictions of changes in elderly suicide rates. In addition to fatal suicidal behaviors, the data and literatures on parasuicide and survivors of elderly suicide are briefly noted.
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2021
In older age, several observational studies investigated risk factors for suicide attempts/completed suicides; however, contrasting evidence came from population-based setting. In the present systematic review, we described through a narrative synthesis the significant associations existing among risk factors and suicide attempts/completed suicides in subjects aged >65 years. From the 39 population-based studies selected in six different databases until February 15, 2021, we analyzed the most frequent 28 risk factors for suicidal behaviour. The risk factors more associated to suicide attempts than other variables frequently related to suicidal behavior in older age were: depressive disorders, methods employed to self-harm (particularly poisoning), and psychotropic drug utilization followed by psychological factors and disability. Moreover, male sex, violent methods to self-harm, any psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders), a poor medical condition, stressors/bereavement, and living alone appeared to be more significant for predicting completed suicides in late life. In older age, efforts for suicide prevention should be based on strategies to assess and treat psychiatric disorders along with psychological interventions, particularly in males.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies for Suicide Among the Elderly
Alabama Counseling Association Journal, 2012
Suicide is a preventable public health concern affecting the nation as the 10th leading cause of death. The prevalence of suicide among the elderly is higher than any other group. Risk factors attributed to this phenomenon are depression, social isolation, substance abuse, poor physical health or function, financial stress, and access to lethal means, among others. Protective factors have been identified, as well. Prevention of suicide among the elderly is of utmost importance, and national and state-level task forces and prevention strategies are leading prevention efforts. Suicidality is considered to be "a state of total pain, which, coupled with neurological impairment, limits the perceived options to either enduring (suffering through) or ending utter agony." This represents an important paradigm shift in the way researchers believe suicide occurs. This article provides an overview of factors that contribute to suicide among the elderly, prevention strategies, and examples of national, state and community-based prevention programs. Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies for Suicide Among the Elderly An example of a suicide note written by an elderly man follows: "Death is as much a reality as birth, growth, maturity, and old age-it is one certainty. I do not fear death as much as I fear the indignity of deterioration, dependence, and hopeless pain…Dear family, I cannot stand it anymore" (Holmes & Holmes, 2005, p. 51-52). Suicide among the elderly has been described sequentially. As older adults continue to age, they may experience multiple losses, then stress, followed by depression, pain, and, finally, suicide (Alabama Department of Public Health [ADPH], n.d.; Osgood, 1985). The group at highest risk for suicide is that of elderly men; however, elderly women are also affected (Szanto, Prigerson, & Reynolds, 2001). Major losses occur while aging, such as in physical health, social interaction, mental status, loss of job through retirement, financial loss, loss of close relationship ties through changes in family structure, and cognitive loss (Osgood, 1985). The elderly are less resilient and more vulnerable to the stress of loss. Many coping mechanisms fail with age, and depression may result. Helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, decreased self-concept, lowered self-esteem, loneliness, and loss of control may accompany a previous suicide attempt nor displayed warning signs. According to Conwell and Thompson (2008), 72% of attempters over the age of 65 used firearms to complete the suicide attempt. Researchers reported that suicidal firearm usage is on the increase among both Blacks and Whites, increasing the likelihood of successful suicide completion (Joe & Niedermeier, 2008). Risk and Protective Factors Risk factors for elderly suicide exist in mental, physical and social domains. These risk factors may be grouped into four categories: individual, relational, community, and societal. Individual factors include psychiatric illness/depression, substance abuse, financial stress, and physical health and function (
[Suicide attempts among the elderly]
PubMed, 1997
The purpose of the study is to describe the life stories leading to the suicide attempts. In-depth interviews with nine persons who had attempted suicide (six females and three males, mean age 73 years) were analysed using a qualitative method. Five categories describe the main interview topics: "I had to leave home to survive." (childhood, youth), "You have to bear it." (adult life), "I will manage, I always have." (present life), "You have to give in order to get. If you have nothing to offer, then life is not worth living." (expectations for future life), "I want to decide my own life." (reflections concerning the suicide attempt). The life stories have a common theme; the patients grew up under very difficult conditions and had little emotional support. Their basic trust was poorly developed and their self-esteem was dependent on their capability to work and to give. Without this capability they felt worthless, and life was unbearable. Attempted suicide was the consequence.
Suicide in older adults: current perspectives
Clinical interventions in aging, 2018
Suicidal behavior in older adults (65 years old and over) is a major public health issue in many countries. Suicide rates increase during the life course and are as high as 48.7/100,000 among older white men in the USA. Specific health conditions and stress factors increase the complexity of the explanatory model for suicide in older adults. A PubMed literature search was performed to identify most recent and representative studies on suicide risk factors in older adults. The aim of our narrative review was to provide a critical evaluation of recent findings concerning specific risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among older people: psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, social exclusion, bereavement, cognitive impairment, decision making and cognitive inhibition, physical illnesses, and physical and psychological pain. We also aimed to approach the problem of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide in older adults. Our main findings emphasize the need to integrate ...