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Gramaglia C, Martelli M, Scotti L, Bestagini L, Gambaro E, Romero M, Zeppegno P. Attempted Suicide in the Older Adults: A Case Series From the Psychiatry Ward of the University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy. Front Public Health 2022; 9:732284. [PMID: 35047468 PMCID: PMC8762240 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.732284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As suicide rates increase with age, it is mandatory to carefully assess old age suicidal behaviors. Our aim was to describe the main socio-demographic and clinical features of a sample of suicide attempters aged 65 years and older, and to assess differences within the sample (men vs. women; patients with vs. without a previous history of suicide attempt; patients with vs. without a previous psychiatric history). Methods: Retrospective study conducted at the Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy. Results: A higher percentage of female patients in our sample were treated by or referred to mental health services, while a greater percentage of male patients required a prolonged clinical observation in the Emergency Room (ER) or in non-psychiatric wards before psychiatric admission. The percentage of patients without previous psychiatric history taking anxiolytic and sedative medications was 25%. Conclusion: It is likely that different clusters and types of suicide attempters exist. Women in our sample appeared more proactive in asking for help, and more likely to be already treated by or referred to a psychiatric service, suggesting the need to facilitate the access to psychiatric services for the male population aged 65 years and older, or to offer support and care for the non-psychiatric reasons (comorbidities, pain, and loss of autonomy) possibly underlying suicidal behavior in this specific group. The use of medications deserves more attention considering the possible critical diagnostic issues in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Martelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Lorenza Scotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Bestagini
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gambaro
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Romero
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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Gramaglia C, Gattoni E, Vecchi C, Di Tullio E, Biroli G, D'Andrea F, Riso S, Gualano MR, Marchetti M, Sarchiapone M, Siliquini R, Zeppegno P. No correlation among expressed emotion, anxiety, stress and weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity. Food Nutr Res 2019; 63:3522. [PMID: 31645850 PMCID: PMC6787637 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v63.3522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The onset of some types of obesity may correlate with specific familial relational patterns, and expressed emotion (EE), the family life's 'emotional temperature', may play a role in obesity treatment compliance and outcome. Objective The aim of this study is to address the current gap in the literature about EE and obesity, assessing EE in a sample of patients with overweight or obesity and their relatives. A further objective is to assess patients' weight loss, patients' and relatives' anxiety, perceived stress and their possible correlation with EE and diet compliance. Design A total of 220 patients with overweight or obesity and 126 relatives were recruited; their socio-demographic and clinical features were collected; and Level of Expressed Emotion Scale (LEE), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 1 and 2 (STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2) and Paykel Scale of Stressful Life Events were administered. Results Patients' baseline body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with educational level, but we failed to find any correlation between BMI and the other variables assessed. We found a positive correlation between EE median and stressful life events, as well as between median EE and state and trait anxiety. Conclusions Our results seem to suggest that other factors than the psychological ones we investigated may play a role in treatment adherence and outcome in patients with overweight and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gattoni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Camilla Vecchi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Tullio
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Biroli
- S.C. Dietetica e Nutrizione, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Federico D'Andrea
- S.C. Dietetica e Nutrizione, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Sergio Riso
- S.C. Dietetica e Nutrizione, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Marco Marchetti
- Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marco Sarchiapone
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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Gramaglia C, Calati R, Zeppegno P. Rational Suicide in Late Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E656. [PMID: 31569542 PMCID: PMC6843265 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55100656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The complex concept of rational suicide, defined as a well-thought-out decision to die by an individual who is mentally competent, is even more controversial in the case of older adults. Materials and Methods: With the aim of better understanding the concept of rational suicide in older adults, we performed a systematic review of the literature, searching PubMed and Scopus databases and eventually including 23 published studies. Results: The main related topics emerging from the papers were: depression, self-determination, mental competence; physicians' and population's perspectives; approach to rational suicide; ageism; slippery slope. Conclusions: Despite contrasting positions and inconsistencies of the studies, the need to carefully investigate and address the expression of suicidal thoughts in older adults, as well as behaviours suggesting "silent" suicidal attitudes, clearly emerges, even in those situations where there is no diagnosable mental disorder. While premature conclusions about the "rationality" of patients' decision to die should be avoided, the possibility of rational suicide cannot be precluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy.
- S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy.
- Nîmes University Hospital, 30029 Nîmes, France.
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy.
- S.C. Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Sousa GSD, Perrelli JGA, Botelho ES. Nursing diagnosis for Risk of Suicide in elderly: integrative review. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2018; 39:e20170120. [PMID: 30088601 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2018.2017-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the specialized literature regarding the risk factors in nursing diagnosis for suicide risks in elderly. METHOD This is an integrative literature review carried out during June 2015 in the following databases with no time limit: MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL. RESULTS A total of 80 full papers were analyzed. It was suggested the inclusion of 23 risk factors in NANDA-I taxonomy: apathy; unrest; low self esteem; carelessness with medication; Inability to ask for help; Inability to express feelings; suicidal plan; rigidity; functional disability; visual problems; sadness; hostility; anxiety; failure; frustration; unhappiness; dishonor; frequent visits to a physician with unclear symptoms; social deprivation; social devaluation; psychological violence; Interfamilial violence; and financial violence. CONCLUSION The risks for suicide presented in NANDA-I taxonomy need to be refined and adapted to the elderly reality. Furthermore, a review is also recommended for the risk factors not included in this classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girliani Silva de Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento. Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | | | - Everton Sougey Botelho
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento. Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
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Karbeyaz K, Çelikel A, Emiral E, Emiral GÖ. Elderly suicide in Eskisehir, Turkey. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 52:12-15. [PMID: 28772156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Old age should be examined separately from other stages of life in terms of ratio, method and motives for suicide. With some variation, epidemiological studies suggest suicides increase with age in virtually every society. This study examines demographic data (age, sex and marital status), and other factors related to 20-years (1997-2016) of completed elder suicides in Eskisehir, Turkey. The 74 cases of those 65 and over were evaluated with regard to method, tool and location of the suicide. Annual distributions illustrate gradual increases in this fatal self-harm over time. The vast majority of cases were male (74.3%), compared to female (25.6%). Elders in the 80-84 age range were most likely to kill themselves. Deaths were frequently caused by hanging, followed by other methods and took place in the home. Reasons associated with suicidal behavior included despair as a result of bereavement, mental illnesses, chronic physical conditions and living alone. The researchers cite potential prevention strategies through the use of early mental health treatment for elders, along with inclusion in social services and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Karbeyaz
- Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Forensic Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey.
| | - Adnan Çelikel
- Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine Department of Forensic Medicine, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - Emrah Emiral
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey.
| | - Gülsüm Öztürk Emiral
- Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health, Eskisehir, Turkey.
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Gramaglia C, Feggi A, Bergamasco P, Bert F, Gattoni E, Marangon D, Siliquini R, Torre E, Zeppegno P. Clinical Characteristics Associated with Suicide Attempts in Clinical Settings: A Comparison of Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Depressed Inpatients. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:109. [PMID: 27378957 PMCID: PMC4913318 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses are involved in the psychiatric management of suicidal inpatients. One-to-one observation by qualified nurses and the accommodation of the patient in a room close to the infirmary are usually recommended. Suicidal risk should be reassessed periodically to check response to treatment. AIM To compare the severity of depressive symptoms in depressed inpatients admitted after an attempted suicide and those admitted for any other reason and to assess the severity of suicide attempts and the management of suicidal risk in clinical settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS We divided the sample into two subgroups: patients with a diagnosis of depression admitted because of a recent suicide attempt and depressed patients with no recent history of attempted suicide. Socio-demographic and clinical data were gathered; assessments included the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR). RESULTS Forty-six patients were recruited over a 1-year period: 20 were admitted to the hospital following a suicide attempt; the other 26 had not attempted suicide and were admitted for other depression-related reasons. Multivariate analysis revealed a correlation between use of antidepressants and recent attempted suicide. Attempting suicide was not related to the severity of depressive symptoms. In the recent suicide attempt subgroup, NGASR suicide risk levels were lower at discharge than at admission. Patients with a recent history of attempted suicide had a higher number of suicide attempts in their clinical history than patients with no recent history of attempted suicide. CONCLUSION There were no correlations between psychiatric diagnosis, severity of depressive symptoms, and recent suicide attempt. Antidepressant therapy protected against suicide attempts. History of suicide attempts was one of the best predictors of recent attempted suicide. A more thorough understanding of the complex phenomenon of suicide and the reasons for suicidal behavior is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Università del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy
| | - Alessandro Feggi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Università del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy
| | - Paola Bergamasco
- SC. Psichiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara , Novara , Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Eleonora Gattoni
- Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Università del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy
| | - Debora Marangon
- SC. Psichiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara , Novara , Italy
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Eugenio Torre
- Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; SC. Psichiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara, Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- SC. Psichiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara , Novara , Italy
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Zeppegno P, Gramaglia C, Castello LM, Bert F, Gualano MR, Ressico F, Coppola I, Avanzi GC, Siliquini R, Torre E. Suicide attempts and emergency room psychiatric consultation. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:13. [PMID: 25652192 PMCID: PMC4327969 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal behaviours are major public health concerns worldwide. They are associated with risk factors that vary with age and gender, occur in combination, and may change over time. The aim of our study was to investigate how frequently patients visiting a hospital emergency room (ER) require a psychiatric consultation for attempted suicide, and to outline the characteristics of this population. METHODS Determinants of emergency room visits for psychiatric reasons were studied prospectively from 2008 to 2011 at the "Maggiore" Hospital in Novara. RESULTS 280 out of 1888 patients requiring psychiatric consultation were referred to the ER because of suicide attempt. Suicide attempters were more often female. The rate of suicide attempters among Italian people was 14.2%, compared to 19.5% in foreigners. Subjects living with parents or own family and those having a permanent job had a higher frequency of suicide attempt. Suicide attempts were more frequent among patients with a history of psychiatric disorders; nonetheless, suicide attempts were more common among those who had not previously been hospitalized in a psychiatric ward or were not under the care of a psychiatrist. The multivariate analysis found that female gender was a risk factor for suicide attempt, while being in the colder months of the year and, surprisingly, unemployment were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of patients referring to the ER due to attempted suicide may allow the identification of at-risk subjects and the implementation of targeted treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Zeppegno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, via Gnifetti, 8, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Carla Gramaglia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, via Gnifetti, 8, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi Mario Castello
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Ressico
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, via Gnifetti, 8, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Isabella Coppola
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, via Gnifetti, 8, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Avanzi
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Eugenio Torre
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, via Gnifetti, 8, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide among older people is one of the most rapidly emerging healthcare issues. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with suicide ideation in the aged population in South Korea. METHODS The study recruited 684 subjects older than 65 years old (males = 147, females = 537, mean age = 78.20±7.02 years), and trained interviewers performed the interviews. The study was performed as part of a community mental health suicide prevention program. The subjects' socio-demographic data, physical health, alcohol problems, social relationships, psychological well-being, and depression severity were all considered. The Korean version of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (K-BSI) was used to evaluate the intensity of suicide ideation. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the K-BSI. The study results were tested using a path analysis. RESULTS Depression severity was positively correlated with suicide ideation, and economic status, psychological well-being, and social relationships were negatively correlated with suicide ideation. Depression severity had the largest direct impact, and economic status and social relationships had indirect impacts on suicide ideation. Psychological well-being exerted both direct and indirect influences. CONCLUSION Depression severity was the most important predictor of suicide ideation among older people. Other direct and indirect factors played secondary roles. Effective suicide prevention strategies should focus on early detection and active intervention for depression. Socio-economic programs may also indirectly reduce suicide ideation among the aged population.
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Mendez-Bustos P, Lopez-Castroman J, Baca-García E, Ceverino A. Life cycle and suicidal behavior among women. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:485851. [PMID: 23533350 PMCID: PMC3603326 DOI: 10.1155/2013/485851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is nowadays accepted that, independently of methodological issues, women commit fewer suicides than men but make more frequent attempts. Yet, female suicidal risk varies greatly along the lifetime and is linked to the most significant moments in it. A wide analysis of the existing literature was performed to provide a narrative description on the evolution of female suicidal rates from childhood to old age, considering the milestones in their life history. A detailed analysis of gender differences in suicidal behavior is key to establish preventive measures and priorities. More specific studies are needed to adapt future interventions on female suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Mendez-Bustos
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Maule, Avenida San Miguel 3605, Talca, Chile
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Hospital, Autonoma University, CIBERSAM Avenida Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Baca-García
- Department of Psychiatry, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Hospital, Autonoma University, CIBERSAM Avenida Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Abstract
SummarySuicide is accepted as a major health problem worldwide, especially in the young and middle aged. It is, however, a significant health problem in older people as well, and those aged 65 years and over generally have the highest suicide rates compared with all other age groups. In research literature from the last decade, there has been an increased interest in disentangling the phenomenon of suicide in later life. This paper aims to critically review the literature on suicide and suicidality in later life published from 2000 to 2009. Prevalence rates as well as risk and protective factors are mapped and correlates reviewed. The association between suicidality and help-seeking behaviour is considered. Finally, potential prevention strategies are reviewed.
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Sturgiss EA. Suicide in people over 65 years of age in the Australian Capital Territory. J Forensic Leg Med 2009; 16:338-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 10/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the role of several variables hypothesized in previous research to be associated with suicide in older adults. DESIGN Psychological autopsy study. SETTING Suicides who were resident in the province of Parma and Piacenza and who died between 1994 and 2004. PARTICIPANTS Ninety-nine elderly suicides (age >or=65 years; 77 men and 22 women) and 134 younger comparison suicides (115 men and 19 women). Younger victims were subdivided in two more homogeneous groups: young adults (age <36 years) and adults (age: 36-64 years). MEASUREMENTS Direct proxy-based interviews with relatives and family physicians. RESULTS Elderly victims were nine times (OR = 9.09; 95% CI: 1.32-62.63) more likely to live alone, 26 times (OR = 26.76; 95% CI: 9.04-79.24) more likely to be retired, and 14 times (OR = 14.57; 95% CI: 2.48-85.65) more likely to have attended school for no more than 5 years than adult suicides. Although, more than 50% of older suicides were diagnosed as DSM-IV-TR depressed, only 20%-30% of them had been treated with medications. CONCLUSION Diverse patterns of risk factors for suicide have to be evaluated in older adults. Physicians must be aware that the concomitant presence of depressive symptoms and several life events (especially loss and loneliness in women and physical illness in men) should be considered warning signs for suicidal behavior.
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Kapusta ND, Etzersdorfer E, Sonneck G. Trends in suicide rates of the elderly in Austria, 1970-2004: an analysis of changes in terms of age groups, suicide methods and gender. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 22:438-44. [PMID: 17133652 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicides of the elderly (persons aged 65 and older) make up a large proportion of total suicides. Since suicide rates of the elderly are highest in western populations, addressing them as a risk group in prevention plans has been recommended. In order to assess possible approaches to prevention strategies, this study examines high-risk groups of the elderly. METHODS We examined official statistics on suicides that occurred in Austria between 1970-2004 (18,101 Suicides of the elderly). We analyzed time trends and differences in suicide methods as well as in age groups and both genders of the elderly. RESULTS Three major high-risk groups were identified: elderly male suicides by firearms; elderly female suicides by poisoning, which occur more often with increasing age; and suicides of both genders by jumping from heights. CONCLUSION Besides conducting treatment of psychiatric disorders of the elderly, restricting the means to commit suicide may help to prevent it among the elderly. Such specific prevention strategies should be implemented in national suicide prevention plans for the high-risk groups identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor D Kapusta
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Institute of Medical Psychology, Vienna, Austria, and Furtbach Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Current awareness in geriatric psychiatry. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2005; 20:1206-13. [PMID: 16397968 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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