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Xu D, Chen B, Yang M, Lin G, Zhang M, Wu Z, Zhou H, Shi X, Peng Q, Zeng Y, Lao J, Wang Q, Liang S, Li J, Yao K, Liu Q, Ou Y, Zhong X, Ning Y. Odor identification dysfunction in late-life depression with suicidal ideation. J Affect Disord 2024; 367:768-776. [PMID: 39233243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is more prevalent among older adults compared to younger individuals. Late-life depression (LLD) poses the highest risk for suicide. However, early recognition of suicidal ideation is challenging. Dysfunction in odor identification (OI), a characteristic of LLD, may hold potential for early identification of suicidal ideation. This study aims to compare OI between LLD patients with suicidal ideation (LLD-S) and LLD patients without suicidal ideation (LLD-NS), and examine its relationship with cognitive function. METHODS A total of 262 LLD-NS patients, 63 LLD-S patients, and 316 healthy normal older adults (HOAs) underwent OI testing, standardized clinical interviews, and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS (1) LLD-S patients exhibited lower OI scores and poorer cognitive performance (including global cognition, information processing speed, memory, language, executive function, and visuospatial ability) compared to LLD-NS patients and HOAs. (2) There were interactive effects between suicidal ideation and OI dysfunction, leading to lower scores in information processing speed and visuospatial ability. (3) OI dysfunction mediated the differences in cognition between the LLD-NS and LLD-S groups. LIMITATIONS The present study was a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS LLD-S patients had worse odor identification than LLD-NS patients and HOAs, suggesting that OI testing could be a valuable approach for identifying suicidal ideation in LLD and screening for suicide risk. The presence of both OI impairment and suicidal ideation was associated with poorer cognitive performance in LLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyan Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ben Chen
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingfeng Yang
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaohong Lin
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhangying Wu
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huarong Zhou
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Peng
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zeng
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Lao
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Yao
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Ou
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhong
- Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuping Ning
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Geriatric Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Juan YC, Wang SH, Huang WL, Liao SC, Chien YL, Gau SSF, Hsu CC, Wu CS. Population-attributable fraction of psychiatric and physical disorders for suicide among older adults in Taiwan. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:88-96. [PMID: 38821366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the population-attributable fraction (PAF) of psychiatric and physical disorders for suicide among older adults, focusing on sex- and age-specific factors. METHODS Data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Data and National Death Registry included 9136 cases of suicide in individuals aged 65+, with 89,439 matched controls. Physical and psychiatric disorders were identified through diagnostic records. Conditional logistic regression assessed risk factors, and PAF was calculated using disorder prevalence and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS Major suicide risk factors among older adults were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders. Physical disorders like hypertension, peptic ulcers, and cancer also showed significant PAF values. The combined PAF of physical disorders equaled that of psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders had a greater impact on women and the youngest-old adults, while physical disorders had a higher contribution among men, middle-old adults, and oldest-old adults. LIMITATIONS Relying solely on claim data to identify psychiatric and physical disorders may underestimate their prevalence and associations with suicide due to unrecorded cases of individuals not seeking help and the absence of key risk factors like social isolation and family support. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies preventable or treatable risk factors for older adult suicide, emphasizing the need to target specific psychiatric and physical disorders in suicide prevention efforts while taking into account sex- and age-specific considerations. It also underscores the importance of establishing social welfare support systems to address the unique challenges older adults face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Juan
- National Taiwan University Hospital-integrative Medical Database, Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Heng Wang
- National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lieh Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Cheng Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu Hospital, Hsin-Chu City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Hsu
- National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan; Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Shin Wu
- National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan.
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Tu CY, Chiu MR, Wang YW, Hsu CY, Chen YY, Chang SS. Association of Body Mass Index and Cardiometabolic Factors With Elderly Suicide: A Cohort Study of 101,518 Older Taiwanese. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:965-977. [PMID: 37258341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people have the highest suicide rate across age groups in most countries. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors also increases with age. We investigated the association between body mass index (BMI), cardiometabolic risk factors, and suicide in a large cohort of older people in Taiwan. METHODS We conducted a cohort study using data from an elderly health examination program in Taipei City, Taiwan (2005-2010), linked to the national cause-of-death data files. We used competing risk Cox regression models to investigate the associations of BMI (kg/m2) and cardiometabolic factors with suicide after adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic variables, chronic diseases, psychological distress, and cognitive function. RESULTS Among 101,518 individuals aged ≥ 65 years, 92 died by suicide during an average follow-up of 3.9 years. Underweight (BMI<18.5) was associated with increased suicide risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-4.52) (reference: normal weight). Low diastolic blood pressure was associated with increased suicide risk - aHR was 0.51 (95% CI 0.29-0.91) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.31-0.99) for the third and fourth quartiles of diastolic blood pressure (reference: the lowest quartile), respectively. Older people with a higher waist circumference (aHR per 1-standard-deviation increase=0.60 [95% CI 0.37-0.98]) and a higher number of metabolic syndrome criteria (aHR per 1-criterion increase=0.65 [95% 0.46-0.92]) had lower suicide risk. Systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles were not associated with suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS Underweight, low diastolic blood pressure, and low waist circumference may be markers of increased suicide risk in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ying Tu
- Department of Psychiatry (C-YT), National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry (C-YT), College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Institute of Health Policy and Management (C-YT), College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Rou Chiu
- Department of Occupational Therapy (M-RC), Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences (M-RC, S-SC), College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine (Y-WW, C-YH), College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yueh Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine (Y-WW, C-YH), College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital (C-YH), Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital (C-YH, S-SC), Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yeh Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center (Y-YC), Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health and Department of Public Health (Y-YC), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences (M-RC, S-SC), College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital (C-YH, S-SC), Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Dhole AR, Petkar P, Choudhari SG, Mendhe H. Understanding the Factors Contributing to Suicide Among the Geriatric Population: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e46387. [PMID: 37927668 PMCID: PMC10620465 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical health concern for older adults is suicide, particularly for those above the age of 60 years. Despite this, research on suicide in this age group is relatively scarce compared to studies on younger populations. This article is intended to summarize the existing literature on etiological/risk factors, including problems with one's physical and mental health, social isolation, money, and life changes like retirement and the death of a spouse and methods for preventing suicide specific to the geriatric population. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify the original reports and reviewed publications through various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and the CDC. We gathered information on Google from reputable sources such as the WHO and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Our review found that the risk factor of suicide in the geriatric population includes physical illness, familial issues, financial issues, and hopelessness. The suicide rate for older adults declined, dropping from 16.17 per 100,000 individuals to 14.25 per 100,000 individuals aged 50 to 69 years and from 27.45 per 100,000 individuals to 24.53 per 100,000 individuals for those over 70 years. A more significant proportion of elderly suicide attempters come from rural than urban locations. Young individuals have better professional opportunities in urban areas, but older people are dispersed to underdeveloped or rural areas, where they are more likely to experience social isolation. By systematically identifying these risk factors, we can develop prevention and intervention strategies to decrease the suicide rates among the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay R Dhole
- Department of Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Prithvi Petkar
- Department of Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Sonali G Choudhari
- Department of Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Wardha, IND
| | - Harshal Mendhe
- Department of Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
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Wang YF, You GY, Han T, Liu Y, Li J, Ji X, Xie XM. Network analysis of comorbid depression, suicidality and biomarkers on HPA axis among mood disorder patients to psychiatric emergency services. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:203. [PMID: 37316541 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid assessment and intervention of suicide risk are common and challenging in psychiatric emergency departments (PED). It is unclear whether distinct pathophysiological processes exist among depressive patients with suicidality. This study examined the network structures of biomarkers on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, such as Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and Corticosterone (Cort), as well as suicidality and depressive symptoms in mood disorder patients in PED. Mood disorder patients in PED were assessed with the measurements of suicidality and depressive symptoms, respectively. A network analysis was performed to identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms of this network and their links to ACTH and Cort. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) was conducted to evaluate whether network characteristics differed by gender. A total of 1815 mood disorder patients were recruited. The prevalence of SI was 31.2% (95% CI: 28.15-34.21%), SP was 30.4% (95% CI: 27.39-33.41%), SA was 30.62% (95% CI: 27.61-33.64%) among psychiatric outpatients. The mean score of HAMD-24 was 13.87 ± 8.02. Network analysis revealed that 'Somatic anxiety' had the highest expected centrality, followed by 'Hopelessness' and 'Suicide attempt'. 'Corticosterone' and 'Retardation' may be the main bridge symptoms between depressive symptoms and the suicidality community. The network model showed a high degree of stability. Gender did not significantly influence the network structure. The central symptoms and key bridge symptoms identified could be potential targets for interventions of the HPA axis, which is designed for regular screening of a range of suicidal activity. In the light of this, timely treatment should be provided for psychiatric emergency care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Yun You
- Department of Psychiatry, The People's Hospital of Juxian County, Juxian, 276500, China
| | - Tian Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Meng Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Blanco V, Tajes Alonso M, Peleteiro Pensado LF, Naveira Barbeito G, Núñez Arias D, Torres ÁJ, Arrojo M, Páramo M, Otero P, Vázquez FL. Epidemiological characteristics and hospitalization trajectories prior to suicide in Galicia between 2013 and 2016. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 16:76-84. [PMID: 38591720 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Addressing suicide requires an understanding of regional patterns of epidemiology, with health variables being central. However, the clinical profile of people who commit suicide has received little attention. The objectives of this study were to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical, and forensic characteristics of persons who committed suicide in Galicia between 2013 and 2016, analyze suicide mortality rates, and identify trajectories of hospitalizations and associated variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS A population study was carried out on the 1354 people who died by suicide in Galicia. RESULTS The most common profile was a retired man, 57.9 years old (SD=18.5), from an urban and inner area. 43.6% had been previously hospitalized, 41.6% had been diagnosed with physical disorders, and 26.8% with mental disorders. 48.2% had been prescribed psychiatric medications and 29.6% had received outpatient psychiatric care. The highest prevalence of death by suicide (27.5%) was in 2014, with the predominant method being hanging (59.1%). The average raw rate was 12.3/100,000. Three trajectories of hospitalizations emerged: 94.83% had experienced few hospitalizations; 2.95% an increasing pattern; and 2.22% a decreasing pattern. These trajectories were associated with number of psychiatric appointments, prescription of psychiatric medications, and diagnoses of physical and mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS These findings are crucial for detection and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Ángela J Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Arrojo
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mario Páramo
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Patricia Otero
- Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Fernando L Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Predictive factors of nonfatal self-harm among community-dwelling older adults assessed for support services. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:813-826. [PMID: 33336632 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220003853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults receiving support services are a population at risk for self-harm due to physical illness and functional impairment, which are known risk factors. This study aims to investigate the relative importance of predictive factors of nonfatal self-harm among older adults assessed for support services in New Zealand. METHODS interRAI-Home Care (HC) national data of older adults (aged ≥ 60) were linked to mortality and hospital discharge data between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. We calculated the crude incidence of self-harm per 100,000 person-years, and gender and age-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). The Fine and Gray competing risk regression model was fitted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR; 95% CIs) of self-harm associated with various demographic, psychosocial, clinical factors, and summary scales. RESULTS A total of 93,501 older adults were included. At the end of the follow-up period, 251 (0.27%) people had at least one episode of nonfatal self-harm and 36,333 (38.86%) people died. The overall incidence of nonfatal self-harm was 160.39 (95% CI, 141.36-181.06) per 100,000 person-years and SIR was 5.12 (95% CI, 4.51-5.78), with the highest incidence in the first year of follow-up. Depression diagnosis (HR, 3.02, 2.26-4.03), at-risk alcohol use (2.38, 1.30-4.35), and bipolar disorder (2.18, 1.25-3.80) were the most significant risk factors. Protective effects were found with cancer (0.57, 0.36-0.89) and severe level of functional impairment measured by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Hierarchy Scale (0.56, 0.35-0.89). CONCLUSION Psychiatric factors are the most significant predictors for nonfatal self-harm among older adults receiving support services. Our results can be used to inform healthcare professionals for timely identification of people at high risk of self-harm and the development of more efficient and targeted prevention strategies, with specific attention to individuals with depression or depressive symptoms, particularly in the first year of follow-up.
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Wang G, Jia C, Ma Z, Zhou L. Physical diseases and elderly suicide in rural China: A case-control psychological autopsy study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:560-568. [PMID: 33726535 DOI: 10.1177/0004867421998804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical diseases are well-established risk factor for suicide, particularly among older adults. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of the association. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of physical diseases and their influences on the elderly in rural China and to examine the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between physical diseases and suicide. METHODS This matched case-control psychological autopsy study was conducted from June 2014 to September 2015. Consecutive suicide cases (242) among people aged 60 years or above were identified in three Chinese provinces. The suicide cases were 1:1 matched with living comparisons based on age, gender and residential area. Two informants for each participant were interviewed to collect data on their demographic characteristics, the severity index of physical diseases, depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, mental disorders and social support. RESULTS A significant difference was found between suicide cases and living comparisons regarding the prevalence of physical diseases (83.5% vs 66.5%, p < 0.001) and their severity (11.3 ± 6.2 vs 6.7 ± 5.3, p < 0.001). Independent risks of suicide included the following: not currently married (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = [1.04, 7.62]), mental disorders (OR = 7.18, 95% CI = [1.83, 28.13]), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.26]) and feelings of hopelessness (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = [1.20, 1.90]). The structural equation model indicated that the relationship between the severity index of physical diseases and suicide was mediated by depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders. CONCLUSION The severity and number of physical diseases were found to be correlated with suicide among the elderly in rural China, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Physical diseases elevate one's suicide risk by increasing depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders. Efforts for suicide prevention should be integrated with strategies to treat physical diseases along with psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Wang
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Public Health, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cunxian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Social Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
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Piras IS, Huentelman MJ, Pinna F, Paribello P, Solmi M, Murru A, Carpiniello B, Manchia M, Zai CC. A review and meta-analysis of gene expression profiles in suicide. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 56:39-49. [PMID: 34923210 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Suicide claims over 800,000 deaths worldwide, making it a serious public health problem. The etiopathophysiology of suicide remains unclear and is highly complex, and postmortem gene expression studies can offer insights into the molecular biological mechanism underlying suicide. In the current study, we conducted a meta-analysis of postmortem brain gene expression in relation to suicide. We identified five gene expression datasets for postmortem orbitofrontal, prefrontal, or dorsolateral prefrontal cortical brain regions from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository. After quality control, the total sample size was 380 (141 suicide deaths and 239 deaths from other causes). We performed the analyses using two meta-analytic approaches. We further performed pathway and cell-set enrichment analyses. We found reduced expression of the KCNJ2 (Potassium Inwardly Rectifying Channel Subfamily J Member 2), A2M (Alpha-2-Macroglobulin), AGT (Angiotensinogen), PMP2 (Peripheral Myelin Protein 2), and VEZF1 (Vascular Endothelial Zinc Finger 1) genes (FDR p<0.05). Our findings support the involvement of astrocytes, stress response, immune system, and microglia in suicide. These findings will require further validation in additional large datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio S Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Matthew J Huentelman
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario; Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Murru
- Bipolar and Depression Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Clement C Zai
- Neurogenetics Section, Molecular Brain Science, Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Science, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
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10
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Hernandez SC, Overholser JC, Philips KL, Lavacot J, Stockmeier CA. Suicide among older adults: Interactions among key risk factors. Int J Psychiatry Med 2021; 56:408-421. [PMID: 33322985 DOI: 10.1177/0091217420982387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to understand how key risk factors of older adult suicide interact to ultimately lead to death by suicide using data collected post-mortem. METHOD A psychological autopsy was used to gather detailed information about psychiatric diagnosis, medical problems, social isolation, and negative attitudes expressed by the individual during the six months prior to their death. Interviews with next-of-kin, medical and psychiatric records, and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics were used. Subjects included 32 older adults who died by suicide and 45 older adults who died by natural causes. RESULTS Hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes were strongly correlated with suicide. Older age was associated with social isolation, suggesting an indirect relationship with suicide via hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes. Physical illness did not increase risk. Multivariate analyses suggested that hopelessness fully mediated the effects of social isolation, negative health attitudes, and depression on suicide. CONCLUSIONS Psychological factors played the largest role in suicide deaths compared to social isolation and physical illness. Suicide interventions aimed at older adults should ensure hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes are primary targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia C Hernandez
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James C Overholser
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristie L Philips
- Veterans Affairs Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James Lavacot
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Craig A Stockmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MI, USA
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11
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Bai X, Zhou L, Mo Q, Jia C, Ma Z. Understanding the Reasons for Suicide Among Older Adults in Rural China Using In-Depth Interviews. CRISIS 2021; 43:391-397. [PMID: 34406810 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Suicide is a complex public health problem. Suicide rates are higher in rural areas than in urban areas and among older adults than any other age group in China. Aims: This study aimed to acquire a comprehensive understanding of rural older adults' reasons for suicide through qualitative exploration and to provide additional insights for suicide prevention work. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with people familiar with older adults who had died by suicide ("informants"). The data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Data were available for 242 people who died by suicide. Informants identified two or more reasons for suicide among most people who had died. Physical illness, psychological distress, and interpersonal conflicts were the most common reasons. The rate of mental disorders as diagnosed by psychiatrists was higher than that reported by the informants. Limitations: Information bias is inevitable because of the use of proxy informants. Conclusion: The reasons for suicide are complex and diverse, and research on suicide should focus more on the mechanisms of interaction between reasons. Greater attention should be paid to physical and mental health as well as to improving interpersonal and problem-solving skills for older adults in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Bai
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Social Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qiqing Mo
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Cunxian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to summarize the recent literature on the clinical symptoms, functioning, outcomes and treatments for older adults with chronic schizophrenia. RECENT FINDINGS The number and proportion of older adults with schizophrenia is rapidly increasing. Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder and older adults with schizophrenia display significant variability in symptom severity, quality of life and overall outcomes. Many achieve stable disease remission, some display persistent nonremission and others experience fluctuating symptoms. Depression is commonly reported, and although rates of suicide are higher when compared with age-matched peers, the excess mortality seen in this population is mainly attributed to natural causes of death. Cognitive decline and reduced illness awareness have important implications for functional status and quality of life. Antipsychotics remain essential in the treatment regimen, although elderly patients with chronic disease may be good candidates for gradual dose reduction. Interdisciplinary treatment approaches as well as nonpharmacologic psychosocial interventions play a critical adjunctive role in the treatment of older adults with schizophrenia. SUMMARY Research focusing on schizophrenia in late life is sparse. Too often, older patients are eliminated from research studies or averaged in with all age groups. Thus, there continues to be gaps in our understanding of modifiable predictors of remission and recovery, and the most efficacious and safest treatment approaches for this age group.
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13
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Lin C, Huang CM, Karim HT, Liu HL, Lee TMC, Wu CW, Toh CH, Tsai YF, Yen TH, Lee SH. Greater white matter hyperintensities and the association with executive function in suicide attempters with late-life depression. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 103:60-67. [PMID: 33845397 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with greater risk of suicide and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), which are also found in suicide attempters regardless of age. Greater periventricular WMH are related to worse cognitive function. We investigated the spatial distribution of WMH in suicide attempters with LLD and its association with cognitive function. We recruited 114 participants with LLD (34 with history of suicide attempt and 80 without) and 47 older adult controls (individuals without LLD or history of suicide attempt). WMH were quantified by an automated segmentation algorithm and were classified into different regions. Suicide attempters with LLD had significantly higher global WMH (F3, 150 = 2.856, p = 0.039) and periventricular WMH (F3, 150 = 3.635, p = 0.014) compared to other groups. Suicide attempters with high WMH had significantly lower executive function, which could be an underlying mechanism for cognitive decline in older adults with suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, Taiwan; Community Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mao Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Helmet T Karim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ho-Ling Liu
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tatia Mei-Chun Lee
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Changwei W Wu
- Brain and Consciousness Research Center, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng Hong Toh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fang Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Hai Yen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, Taiwan; Department of Nephrology and Clinical Poison Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Hua Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan.
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14
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Vyas MV, Wang JZ, Gao MM, Hackam DG. Association Between Stroke and Subsequent Risk of Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2021; 52:1460-1464. [PMID: 33691505 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Poor mental health and depression are well-recognized sequelae of stroke; however, the association between stroke and subsequent risk of suicide is unknown. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar from their inception to September 15, 2020, using keywords and database-specific subjects. We independently adjudicated and selected observational studies that reported suicide attempts or death by suicide in stroke survivors and a comparison group, consisting either of people without a history of stroke or the general population. We evaluated study quality using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) of suicide in stroke survivors and separately calculated the pooled adjusted RR of suicide attempt and death by suicide. Using prespecified analyses, we explored study-level factors to explain heterogeneity. RESULTS We screened 4093 articles and included 23 studies of fair quality, totaling over 2 million stroke survivors, of whom 5563 attempted suicide or died by suicide. Compared to the nonstroke group, the pooled adjusted RR of suicide in stroke survivors was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.53-1.96, I2=93%), with a significantly (P=0.03) higher adjusted risk of suicide attempt (RR, 2.11 [1.73-2.56]) than of death by suicide (RR, 1.61 [1.41-1.84]). A longer follow-up time in cohort studies was associated with a lower risk of suicide (RR, 0.97 [0.95-0.99] for every 1-year increase). CONCLUSIONS Stroke should be considered as a risk factor for suicide. Comprehensive strategies to screen and treat depression and suicidal ideation in stroke survivors should be developed to reduce the burden of suicide in stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manav V Vyas
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada (M.V.V., J.Z.W., M.M.G.)
| | - Jeffrey Z Wang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada (M.V.V., J.Z.W., M.M.G.)
| | - Meah M Gao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada (M.V.V., J.Z.W., M.M.G.)
| | - Daniel G Hackam
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Western University, Canada (D.G.H.)
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15
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Chiang YS, Chang YC, Liu YP, Tzeng WC. Quality of life in patients with comorbid serious mental illness and chronic diseases: A structural equation model. J Adv Nurs 2020; 77:1271-1283. [PMID: 33230880 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the factors affecting the quality of life among adults with comorbid serious mental illness and chronic diseases. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional study design. METHODS In total, 204 patients with serious mental illness were recruited from two hospitals. Self-reported data were collected using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness, Patient Activation Measure and brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument. Data were collected between July 2018 - January 2019. The structural equation model was applied to examine the associations among the study variables. RESULTS Internalized stigma (β = -0.479, p = .002) had the greatest direct effect on quality of life, followed by patient activation (β = 0.238, p = .002), severity of comorbidities (β = -0.207, p = .002) and psychiatric symptoms (β = -0.186, p = .006). In addition, psychiatric symptoms directly influenced the severity of comorbidities, which in turn directly influenced internalized stigma and then in turn directly influenced patient activation and ultimately influenced quality of life. CONCLUSION The relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life is significantly mediated by patient activation. This finding provides a theoretical basis for developing patient activation interventions for patients with comorbid mental and chronic diseases, which potentially improve the quality of life of this population. IMPACT Multiple comorbidities cause impaired quality of life in patients with serious mental illnesses. We found that patient activation plays an important role in the management of chronic diseases for achieving more favourable quality of life, but this is negatively affected by internalized stigma. These findings can help mental health professionals develop tailored intervention strategies to enhance quality of life by promoting patient activation and reducing internalized stigma, psychiatric symptoms, and comorbidity severity in patients with comorbid serious mental illnesses and chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shuang Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital Beitou Branch, Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yia-Ping Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chii Tzeng
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
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