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Østergaard SD, Momen NC, Heide-Jørgensen U, Plana-Ripoll O. Risk of Suicide Across Medical Conditions and the Role of Prior Mental Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry 2024:2822967. [PMID: 39230910 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.2561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance According to the World Health Organization, more than 700 000 individuals worldwide die by suicide each year. Medical conditions likely increase the risk of suicide. Objective To (1) provide age- and sex-specific pairwise estimates of the risk of suicide across a comprehensive range of medical conditions, (2) investigate whether there is a dose-response-like relationship at play (ie, the higher the disability burden due to medical morbidity, the higher the risk of suicide), and (3) determine if the risk of suicide with medical conditions is particularly pronounced among those who had mental disorder preceding the medical conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was an observational study of population-based data for all individuals living in Denmark at some point between 2000 and 2020. The data analysis took place from September 2023 to May 2024. Exposures Thirty-one specific medical conditions as well as prior mental disorder. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was suicide. Associations between the 31 specific medical conditions, nested within 9 categories, and suicide were examined via Poisson regression, yielding incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Subsequent analyses included an interaction term to assess whether a previous hospital-treated mental disorder modified the associations. Finally, the association between the disability burden of medical conditions and suicide was examined for those with and without prior mental disorder, respectively. Results A total of 6 635 857 individuals (3 337 613 females and 3 298 244 males) were included in the analyses of the associations between medical conditions and suicide. Except for endocrine disorders, all categories of medical conditions were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of suicide (which was most pronounced for gastrointestinal conditions [IRR, 1.7; 95% CI,1.5-1.8], cancer [IRR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.4-1.6], and hematological conditions [IRR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.6]). Interaction between mental disorder and individual medical conditions did not seem to play a major role for suicide risk. For those without but not for those with mental disorder, there was a dose-response-like relationship between the disability burden of medical conditions and suicide. Conclusions and Relevance Medical conditions are generally associated with increased risk of suicide in a dose-response-like manner. Individuals with hospital-treated mental disorder appear to be at such elevated risk of suicide that additional disability associated with medical conditions has little impact in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Dinesen Østergaard
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Natalie C Momen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Uffe Heide-Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Oleguer Plana-Ripoll
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Nieuwenhuijs B, Gorus E, Portzky G, De Witte N. Risk and protective factors of a wish to die and suicidal ideation in community-dwelling, older, Flemish adults: results of the Belgian ageing studies. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:1262-1269. [PMID: 38708865 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2345779] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to increase the understanding of suicidality in older adults by investigating the prevalence, characteristics, risk and protective factors of suicidal phenomena in community-dwelling older adults (60+) in Flanders, specifically of a current wish to die (WTD) and lifetime suicidal ideation and behaviour (LSIB). METHOD Cross-sectional data from the Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) is used (N = 3050). The BAS aims to monitor the needs and quality of life of community-dwelling older adults through a standardised survey. Statistical methods used are bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. RESULTS Prevalence rates of 4.8% for WTD and 8.2% for LSIB are found. LSIB is the biggest predictor of a current WTD, followed by requiring support on three domains, elder abuse, depression and subjective cognitive complaints, and elder abuse were significant risk factors for both WTD and LSIB. Limited effects of protective factors were found. CONCLUSION Previous research regarding risk factors to be confirmed in this study, and new insights on the effect of elder abuse, subjective indicators of cognitive complaints and requiring support are added. Further research into protective factors and underlying mechanisms is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau Nieuwenhuijs
- Gerontology and Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Gorus
- Gerontology and Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gwendolyn Portzky
- Unit for Suicide Research, Department Head and Skin, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Nico De Witte
- Gerontology and Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- School of Healthcare, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
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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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Lin YP, Chen WY, Pan CH, Su SS, Tsai SY, Chen CC, Kuo CJ. Age-stratified risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024. [PMID: 39142799 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Few studies have investigated the risk of suicide across different ages, likely due to limitations around sample size. METHODS From the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, this study identified 195,787 patients with schizophrenia from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. During the study period, 3848 patients died from suicide. We calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for suicide stratified by age. In this age-stratified, nested case-control study, risk set sampling was used to match each case with 4 living controls by age, sex, and the year of the first diagnosis with schizophrenia. Conditional logistic regression was used for estimating age-stratified risk profiles. RESULTS The SMR was the highest in the <25 years age group (52.8) and inversely correlated with age. Unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide in the 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 64 years age groups. Depressive and sleep disorders before suicide were more common among suicide cases with schizophrenia than among controls across all age groups. Drug-induced and alcohol-induced mental disorders were significantly associated with suicide but were observed only in the age group younger than 54. Heart disease, pneumonia, and moderate or severe renal disease were risk factors for suicide in the age groups less than 65. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for suicide differ by age. This study's findings can be used to optimize health-care interventions for preventing suicide in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Pin Lin
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yin Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Pan
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shiang Su
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ying Tsai
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Chicy Chen
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Jue Kuo
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Szücs A, Galfalvy H, Alessi MG, Kenneally LB, Valderas JM, Maier AB, Szanto K. Diligent for better or worse: Conscientiousness is associated with higher likelihood of suicidal behavior and more severe suicidal intent in later life. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 135:152523. [PMID: 39126760 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152523] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contradictory findings link trait conscientiousness in mid- and late life to increased healthspan and lifespan, as well as to death by suicide. It remains unclear whether conscientiousness is associated with higher odds of attempting suicide or with more severe suicidal behavior among attempters, and whether its relationship to suicide risk varies with aging-related stressors, such as declining health. METHODS In this cross-sectional study comprising 313 depressed adults aged ≥40 years and participating in the Longitudinal Research Program in Late-Life Suicide (Pittsburgh, USA), we employed logistic and linear regression to test whether conscientiousness was associated with the presence of recent suicidal behavior (≤2 years) and with intent severity in recent attempters (n = 84). We further tested whether the above relationships varied based on mental, cognitive, and physical health status, measured as depression severity, cognitive functioning, and the presence/absence of severe physical illness. RESULTS Participants were 62.1 years old on average (SD = 7.6), 85% White, and 53% female. Recent attempters had a mean age of 61.8 years at their most recent attempt (SD = 8.5), had lower cognitive functioning and were more likely severely physically ill than comparisons. Conscientiousness was positively associated with a higher likelihood of recent suicidal behavior overall (adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.90, p = .010), but not in case of co-occurring severe physical illness (interaction OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.97, p = .039). Conscientiousness was also positively associated with suicidal intent at the most recent attempt (adjusted β = 1.60, SE = 0.62, p = .012), explaining 7% of its variance, although this association lost significance after adjusting for other personality dimensions. CONCLUSIONS Highly conscientious middle-aged and older adults may be at increased risk of resolute suicidal behavior, although conscientiousness may not confer additional suicide risk among those severely physically ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szücs
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, The Netherlands; National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Singapore.
| | | | - Maria G Alessi
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Program in Health Psychology, USA
| | | | - Jose M Valderas
- National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, The Netherlands; National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Katalin Szanto
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, USA
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Bamonti PM, Fischer I, Moye J, Poghosyan H, Pietrzak RH. Obstructive respiratory disease in U.S. veterans: Prevalence, characteristics, and health burden. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 176:140-147. [PMID: 38857555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.053] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the psychiatric and physical health burden of obstructive respiratory disease in a nationally representative sample of U.S. Veterans. METHODS Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. Veterans. Participants self-reported health professional-diagnosed obstructive respiratory disease (i.e., asthma, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Veterans who reported obstructive respiratory disease (n = 502) were compared to veterans without this disease but with at least one or more other medical conditions-controls (n = 3169) on measures of sociodemographic, trauma, psychiatric, and physical health characteristics. Multivariable regression analyses examined independent associations between obstructive respiratory disease and psychiatric conditions and physical characteristics. RESULTS A total 12.5% of the sample reported a diagnosis of obstructive respiratory disease. Compared to controls, veterans with obstructive respiratory disease were more likely to be female, unmarried/partnered, lower income, residing in the Midwest, receiving VA healthcare, and had greater lifetime and childhood trauma burden. In adjusted analyses, veterans with respiratory disease had 47-91% greater odds of screening positive for current posttraumatic stress, major depressive, and generalized anxiety disorders, and had 48% greater odds of current suicide ideation. They were also more likely to have lifetime nicotine use disorder and had more medical comorbidities and more severe somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive respiratory disease is prevalent among U.S. veterans and associated with significant mental and physical health burden. Results highlight the need for timely screening and treatment for psychiatric and medical conditions that are highly comorbid with obstructive respiratory disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Bamonti
- Research & Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Ian Fischer
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Connecticut, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street Ste 901, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Jennifer Moye
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; New England Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Hermine Poghosyan
- Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, 06477, USA; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Connecticut, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street Ste 901, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Gysin-Maillart A, Bettschen D, Annaheim P, Brogna S, Walther S, Waern M, Müller M, Exadaktylos AK, Klukowska-Rötzler J. Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Older Adults With Suicide-Related Emergency Department Presentations. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241261094. [PMID: 39030841 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241261094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify characteristics of older adult emergency department (ED) patients aged ≥65 with suicidal ideation and/or behavior. METHODS A single center retrospective chart review analyzed 392 patients (≥65) with suicidal ideation and/or behavior (2013-2019). Comprehensive full-text searches were used. Subgroup analyses for age and gender were conducted. RESULTS Depressive disorder was documented in 50% of cases. Notably, 54% of all women were prescribed antidepressants, compared to only 31% of men. Most patients had general medical conditions (74.5%) and chronic multimorbidity (71.2%). Social stress affected 40.1%; 35.7% were intoxicated upon presentation. Alcohol abuse was more common in the 65-74 age group, while dementia impacted 20% of those ≥75. Men had a six-fold higher 30-day post-discharge mortality. DISCUSSION Older ED patients with suicidal ideation and/or behavior exhibit typical characteristics. The dementia prevalence suggests tailored care for those ≥75, and the heightened post-discharge mortality rate in older men requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Gysin-Maillart
- Translational Research Centre, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Unit for Clinical Suicide Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Bettschen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Annaheim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stella Brogna
- Translational Research Centre, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Walther
- Translational Research Centre, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Margda Waern
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aristomenis K Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Öberg NP, Lindström SP, Bergqvist E, Ehnvall A, Sellin T, Stefenson A, Sunnqvist C, Waern M, Westrin Å. Last general practitioner consultation during the final month of life: a national medical record review of suicides in Sweden. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:256. [PMID: 39010009 PMCID: PMC11247819 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals who die by suicide often consult their general practitioners (GPs) in their final weeks of life. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper knowledge of the clinical characteristics and GP assessments and treatments among individuals who consulted their GPs during the month preceding suicide. Further, we compared these features in those with and without contact with psychiatric services (PC and NPC, respectively) during the two years that preceded the suicide. DESIGN A nationwide retrospective explorative study investigating medical records. SETTING Primary care in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Individuals who died by suicide in Sweden in 2015 with a GP visit within 30 days of death. RESULTS The study cohort corresponds to one fifth (n = 238) of all suicides that occurred in Sweden in 2015 (n = 1179), representing all those with available primary care records showing contact with a GP during the final 30 days of life (NPC: n = 125; PC: n = 113). The mean age was 58 years ± 19. Patients in the NPC group were older (NPC: 63 years ± 19 vs. PC: 53 years ± 18, p < 0.0001) and presented psychiatric symptoms less often (NPC: 50% vs. PC: 67%, p < 0.006). Somatic symptoms were as common as psychiatric symptoms for the whole sample, being present in more than half of individuals. Suicide risk was noted in only 6% of all individuals. Referral to psychiatric services occurred in 14%, less commonly for the NPC group (NPC: 6% vs. PC: 22%, p < 0.001). Cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms were noted in 19%, more often in the NPC group (NPC: 30% vs. PC: 6%, p < 0.001), as were diagnoses involving the circulatory system (all 10%, NPC:14% vs. PC: 5%, p < 0.020). CONCLUSION A high level of somatic symptoms was observed in primary care patients both with and without psychiatric contact, and this might have influenced GPs' management decisions. Psychiatric symptoms were noted in two thirds of those with psychiatric contact but only half of those without. While GPs noted psychiatric symptoms in over half of all individuals included in the study, they seldom noted suicide risk. These findings highlight the need for increased attention to psychiatric symptoms and suicide risk assessment, particularly among middle-aged and older individuals presenting with somatic symptoms. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY The National Cause of Death Register has excellent coverage of suicide deaths and access to medical records was very good. The medical record review provided detailed information regarding primary care utilization before death by suicide. Because of the lack of statistical power, due to the limited number of persons with GP contact during the last month of life, we chose not to correct for multiple comparisons. Our study approach did not capture the reasons behind GPs' documentation of elevated suicide risk. No systematic inter-rater reliability (IRR) testing was made, however, reviewers received training and continuous support from the research group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Palmqvist Öberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden.
- Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, SE-221 85, Sweden.
| | - Sara Probert Lindström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
- Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, SE-221 85, Sweden
| | - Erik Bergqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
- Psychiatric In-patient Clinic, Hallands Sjukhus Varberg, Region Halland, Varberg, SE-432 81, Sweden
| | - Anna Ehnvall
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
- Psychiatric Out-patient Clinic, Region Halland, Varberg, SE-432 43, Sweden
| | - Tabita Sellin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Anne Stefenson
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Sunnqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
- The Region Skåne Committee on Psychiatriy, Habilitation and Technical Aids, Lund, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
- Psychosis Clinic, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, 41345, Sweden
| | - Åsa Westrin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
- Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, SE-221 85, Sweden
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9
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Lee JK, Lee J, Chung MK, Shin T, Park JY, Lee KJ, Lim HS, Hwang S, Urtnasan E, Jo Y, Kim MH. Childhood adversity and suicidal ideation in older Korean adults: unraveling the mediating mechanisms of mental health, physical health, and social relationships. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:485. [PMID: 38956575 PMCID: PMC11221153 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates in older adults are much higher than those in younger age groups. Given the rapid increase in the proportion of older adults in Korea and the high suicide rate of this age group, it is worth investigating the mechanism of suicidal ideation for older adults. Generally, adverse childhood experiences are positively associated with suicidal ideation; however, it is not fully understood what mediating relationships are linked to the association between these experiences and current suicidal ideation. METHODS The data from 685 older Korean adults were analyzed utilizing logistic regression, path analyses, and structural equation modeling. Based on our theoretical background and the empirical findings of previous research, we examined three separate models with mental health, physical health, and social relationship mediators. After that, we tested a combined model including all mediators. We also tested another combined model with mediation via mental health moderated by physical health and social relationships. RESULTS The univariate logistic regression results indicated that childhood adversity was positively associated with suicidal ideation in older adults. However, multivariate logistic regression results demonstrated that the direct effect of childhood adversity became nonsignificant after accounting all variables. Three path models presented significant mediation by depression and social support in the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation. However, combined structural equation models demonstrated that only mediation by a latent variable of mental health problems was statistically significant. Social relationships moderated the path from mental health problems to suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Despite several limitations, this study has clinical implications for the development of effective strategies to mitigate suicidal ideation. In particular, effectively screening the exposure to adverse childhood experiences, early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms can play a crucial role in weakening the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Kyung Lee
- Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Kwon Chung
- Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Global Public Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeksoo Shin
- Department of Business Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Social Welfare, Sangji University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Joung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Sang Lim
- Department of Computer & Telecommunications Engineering, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Erdenebayar Urtnasan
- Artificial Intelligence Bigdata Medical Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongmie Jo
- Department of Global Public Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
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Palanbek Yavaş S, Baysan C. A scientometric analysis and visualisation of elderly suicide research from 1951 to 2022. Psychogeriatrics 2024; 24:811-821. [PMID: 38627605 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13124] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are still many gaps in both national and international literature on elderly suicide. This study aimed to identify the most influential journals in elderly suicide, the countries and authors that contribute the most to the field, and the trends in the field. MATERIAL AND METHODS Studies published on elderly suicide between 1951 and 2022 were retrieved utilising the Web of Science Core Collection. Co-authorship analysis of countries and authors, as well as co-occurrence analysis of keywords, were conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.18. RESULTS There were 2864 articles retrieved, including 95 countries, 889 academic journals, 9162 authors and 4160 keywords. The number of publications in this field has significantly increased after the 2000s, and the United States is the most productive country (996). The most prolific author is Yeates Conwell, while the journal with the highest number of publications in this field is the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Other than 'suicide' and 'elderly', the most trending keywords are 'depression', 'primary care', 'treatment', 'antidepressant', 'loneliness', 'quality of life' and 'COVID-19'. CONCLUSION There has been an increase in both the thematic diversity and quantity of studies on elderly suicide over time. However, these publications predominantly originate from socioeconomically affluent countries with relatively low suicide rates. While the increasing numbers of publications from developing countries in recent years are promising, there is a greater need for publications from countries with lower socioeconomic status for the prevention or intervention of elderly suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seher Palanbek Yavaş
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Caner Baysan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Izmir Democracy University, Izmir, Turkey
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Ross R, Prater LC, Cole A, Mustafa A, Pham K, Gallagher A, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Phelan EA. Provider Perspectives on Addressing Firearm Safety with Older Adults in Primary Care. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:555-570. [PMID: 37791738 PMCID: PMC10991080 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2264291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic conditions, including mild cognitive impairment and depression, place older adults at high risk of firearm suicide. Approximately 40% of older adults have access to a firearm, and many do not store their firearms safely. However, firearm counseling occurs infrequently in clinical settings. Using by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) to conceptualize the decisional support needed by patients and their providers to facilitate firearm counseling, we explore provider perspectives on desired resources for addressing firearm safety with older adult patients. METHODS From March - August 2022, we conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with primary care providers caring for older adults. We report deductive concepts as well as emergent themes. RESULTS Major themes were identified from the three components of the ODSF; decisional needs, decision support and decisional outcomes. Themes included: provider self-efficacy to conduct firearm counseling, clinical workflow considerations, stories for change, patient diagnosis implications, and caregiver involvement. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for decision aids in the clinical setting that facilitate firearm counseling and promotes shared decision-making about firearm storage. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Implementing a decision aid in the clinical setting can improve provider self-efficacy to conduct firearm counseling and help reduce risk factors associated with firearm-related harm among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura C. Prater
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavorial Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Cole
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ayah Mustafa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kiet Pham
- School of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Phelan
- School of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, School of Public Health, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Maynard H, Gregory JD, Davies A, Fox J. Psychological Factors Protecting Against Suicidality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e3029. [PMID: 39138589 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicide rates in older adults are often the highest of any age group, particularly among high income countries. However, there is a limited understanding of the factors that could protect against suicidality in older age. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the psychological factors that protect against suicidality in older age. METHOD An a priori protocol was established and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022343694). EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus were searched. Papers were quality assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADSs) tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Seventeen papers were included and narratively synthesised. RESULTS The initial searches identified 10,673 records, resulting in the screening of 5441 records after the removal of duplicates. The protective factors identified were (1) meaning/purpose in life, (2) reasons for living, (3) coping styles, (4) psychological wellbeing, (5) life satisfaction, (6) personality factors, (7) cognitive functioning, and (8) sense of belonging. The factors with the most empirical support were meaning in life, followed by psychological wellbeing and coping responses, such as primary control strategies, and personality traits, such as positive affect and agency. There was also evidence to suggest that the influence of some protective factors, for example meaning in life, may depend upon stage in older life and gender. CONCLUSION This review identified several psychological factors that have been found to protect against suicidal ideation in older adults, representing potential treatment targets for reducing suicide in older adults. Recommendations for future research includes greater use of longitudinal and case-control designs, measuring outcomes across the continuum of suicidality and using samples that allow comparison between younger and older adults and within the spectrum of old age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Davies
- Psychology, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Abercynon, UK
| | - John Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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13
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Doering S, Probert-Lindström S, Ehnvall A, Wiktorsson S, Palmqvist Öberg N, Bergqvist E, Stefenson A, Fransson J, Westrin Å, Waern M. Anxiety symptoms preceding suicide: A Swedish nationwide record review. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:317-324. [PMID: 38552915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.118] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature on the relationship between anxiety and suicidal behaviors is limited and findings are mixed. This study sought to determine whether physicians noted anxiety symptoms and suicidality in their patients in the weeks and months before suicide. METHODS Data were derived from a nationwide medical record review of confirmed suicides in Sweden in 2015. Individuals with at least one documented physician consultation in any health care setting during 12 months before suicide (N = 956) were included. Clinical characteristics were compared between decedents with and without a notation of anxiety symptoms. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate associations between anxiety symptoms and suicidality in relation to suicide proximity. RESULTS Anxiety symptoms were noted in half of individuals 1 week before suicide. Patients with anxiety were characterized by high rates of depressive symptoms, ongoing substance use issues, sleeping difficulties, and fatigue. After adjustment for mood disorders, the odds of having a notation of elevated suicide risk 1 week before death were doubled in persons with anxiety symptoms. Associations were similar across time periods (12 months - 1 week). Two-thirds had been prescribed antidepressants at time of death. LIMITATIONS Data were based on physicians' notations which likely resulted in underreporting of anxiety depending on medical specialty. Records were not available for all decedents. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety symptoms were common in the final week before suicide and were accompanied by increases in documented elevated suicide risk. Our findings can inform psychiatrists, non-psychiatric specialists, and GPs who meet and assess persons with anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Doering
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sara Probert-Lindström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Ehnvall
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Region Halland, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Wiktorsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychotic Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nina Palmqvist Öberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Bergqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Psychiatric Inpatient Clinic, Region Halland, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Anne Stefenson
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Fransson
- Department of Psychotic Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Westrin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Office of Psychiatry and Habilitation, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychotic Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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14
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Chen C, Yu L. Chinese older adults' prior-to-death disability profiles and their correlates. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:479. [PMID: 38824494 PMCID: PMC11143689 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disability prior to death complicates end-of-life care. The present study aimed to explore the prior-to-death disability profiles of Chinese older adults, the profiles' links to end-of-life care arrangements and place of death, and predictors of the profiles. METHODS In total, data were extracted from the records of 10,529 deceased individuals from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Latent profile analyses, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression were applied to identify prior-to-death disability profiles, explore the profiles' links to end-of-life care arrangements and place of death, and examine predictors in the profiles, respectively. RESULTS Three prior-to-death disability profiles, namely, Disabled-Incontinent (37.6%), Disabled-Continent (34.6%), and Independent (27.8%), were identified. Those with the Independent profile were more likely to live alone or with a spouse and receive no care or care only from the spouse before death. Disabled-Continent older adults had a higher chance of dying at home. Being female, not "married and living with a spouse", suffering from hypertension, diabetes, stroke or cerebrovascular disease (CVD), bronchitis/emphysema/pneumonia, cancer, or dementia, and dying in a later year were associated with more severe prior-to-death disability patterns. Not having public old-age insurance predicted lower chances of having a Disabled-Incontinent profile, and advanced age increased the chance of having a Disabled-Continent profile. CONCLUSIONS Three prior-to-death disability patterns were identified for Chinese adults aged 65 years and older. These profiles were significantly linked with the end-of-life caregiving arrangements and place of death among older adults. Both demographic information and health status predicted prior-to-death disability profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqian Chen
- Department of Medical Humanities, School of Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Ageing-Responsive Civilization Think Tank, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lingling Yu
- Department of Philosophy and Science, School of Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Oliver DP, Washington KT, Benson J, Mayhara M, Pitzer K, White P, Demiris G. Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Hospice Cancer Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:786-791. [PMID: 37537930 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231194359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Family members and close friends provide countless hours of care for patients enrolled in hospice care. They do so without pay, often sacrificing their own financial well-being and health in the process. This study asks 4 research questions: (1) What is the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among caregivers of hospice cancer patients? (2) What demographic and contextual factors (such as relationship with patient) are related to the severity of depressive symptoms among caregivers of hospice cancer patients? (3) Are caregiver quality of life and caregiver burden associated with depressive symptoms? and (4) Is baseline depression associated with change in depression over time? Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Results: Thirty-five percent of caregivers reported depressive symptoms of moderate or greater severity. These depressive symptoms were found to increase depending on the relationship of the caregiver to the patient. Caregivers with higher reported burden and lower reported quality of life were also found to have higher depressive symptoms. Significance of Results: Hospice agencies are encouraged to assess caregiver depressive symptoms and have protocols in place to assist caregivers with high depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Parker Oliver
- Ira Kodner Professor of Research in Supportive Care, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karla T Washington
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Benson
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Masako Mayhara
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyle Pitzer
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Patrick White
- Stokes Family Endowed Chair and Chief, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor, Department of Biobehavioral and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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Gabilondo A, Gonzalez-Pinto A, Garcia J, Del Valle D, Morentin B, Iruin A. Analysis of health services use and clinical profiles in the year prior to suicide between 2010 and 2018: An opportunity to improve its prevention. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2024:S2950-2853(24)00031-0. [PMID: 38768759 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpmh.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is the first cause of external death in Spain. International studies show frequent and varied health contacts in the months prior to suicide. There are hardly any studies on that phenomenon in this country. OBJECTIVE To analyze health care use in the year prior to suicide between 2010 and 2018 in the Basque Country, as well as pharmacological prescriptions and psychiatric diagnoses received. METHODS Retrospective descriptive study with all suicides registered by the Basque Institute of Legal Medicine (BILM) between 2010 and 2018. The records of the BILM and the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza) were cross-checked. RESULTS 1526 suicides were analyzed. 74% had health contacts in the previous year. The use was higher in women (p<0.05) and in older ages (p<0001). Primary care was the most used specialty (58.8% the previous year and 7.1% the previous week), followed by Hospital Emergencies (50.3% and 10.2%) and Outpatient Medical Specialties (49% and 11.6%), especially Radiology. Outpatient psychiatry only contacted 29.6% that year, although it had the highest average number of visits (15.1 SD22.6). The most frequent diagnostic category among psychiatric patients was F30-39 (26.7%), with differences between sexes and ages. 49.7% received psychotropic drugs. CONCLUSIONS The results are aligned with international evidence, which they also extend, and reinforce the need to extend prevention beyond psychiatric services. It seems advisable to increase proactivity in the search for risk by sensitizing and training different professional profiles, but also to work from non-health settings to improve assistance to highly vulnerable profiles (young men) with low health links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gabilondo
- Outpatient Mental Health Network of Gipuzkoa, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), San Sebastián, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), San Sebastián, Spain; CiberSam, Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, Spain.
| | - Ana Gonzalez-Pinto
- CiberSam, Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, Spain; University Hospital of Araba, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Jon Garcia
- Outpatient Mental Health Network of Bizkaia, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), Bilbao, Spain; Biocruces Health Research Institute, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), Bilbao, Spain
| | - David Del Valle
- Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Benito Morentin
- Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alvaro Iruin
- Outpatient Mental Health Network of Gipuzkoa, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), San Sebastián, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Basque Health System (Osakidetza), San Sebastián, Spain
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Sadek J, Diaz-Piedra B, Saleh L, MacDonald L. A narrative review: suicide and suicidal behaviour in older adults. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1395462. [PMID: 38800059 PMCID: PMC11117711 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1395462] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, suicide is a public health concern that claims the lives of many each year. The complex etiology and factors contributing to the risk of suicide make it hard to predict the likelihood of death by suicide. Suicide rates have been increasing over the past 25 years in patients aged 65 years and older, and with the expected increases in the size of the older adult population and the under-detection of suicide risk, these rates may continue to increase. To mitigate and attempt to limit this expected increase, it is important to understand the risk and protective factors of suicide in older adults. This narrative review focuses on individuals above the age of 65 and encompasses relevant peer-reviewed publications from the past 25 years to cover fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviour. It summarizes several important risk factors for suicide and suicidal behaviors while considering how risk can be detected, assessed, prevented, and mitigated. Screening methods to detect suicide and depression in older adults were examined based on their effectiveness and suitability for use in this population. Lastly, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates in older adults were described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sadek
- Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Leah Saleh
- Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Luke MacDonald
- MD Candidate, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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18
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Ramm M, Jedamzik J, Lenz P, Jürgens L, Heuft G, Conrad R. Older adults coping with critical life events - results of the revised demoralization scale in a representative sample of older adulthood. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389021. [PMID: 38800056 PMCID: PMC11116776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High suicide rates in older adults are a relevant public health concern. Social isolation or widowhood as well as physical decline play a crucial role for suicidality in older adulthood. Previous evidence suggested that demoralization is an important risk factor for suicide. Whether demoralization is a relevant phenomenon in older adulthood which possibly could account for high suicide rates remains unclear. Methods Demoralization Scale II (DS-II) scores assessed in a survey of the German general population were investigated with respect to older adults (aged ≥ 65 years). DS-II scores were compared between older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) adulthood and between young-old (65-74y), middle-old (75-84y), and old-old (85+y) individuals. We tested the impact of sociodemographic factors on DS-II scores within older adults. Results The sample comprised N = 545 adults ≥ 65 years and N = 1922 adults < 65 years. DS-II scores increased in older compared to younger adults (F(1,2465) = 6.1; p = 0.013; d = 0.09) and further from young-old to old-old (Mdiff = 2.7; 95% CI 0.45, 5.46; p = 0.034). One-fourth of individuals ≥ 65 years and almost half of old-old individuals reported DS-II scores above the cut-off > 5. Living with a partner protected from demoralization in old-old individuals. Discussion This study provides first evidence for an increased rate of demoralization in very old adults, in particular women, which is partly related to partnership status. We suggest that demoralization is considered as a crucial entity in older adulthood which can be missed by standard psychological screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ramm
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johanna Jedamzik
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Lenz
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Palliative Care, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Jürgens
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gereon Heuft
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rupert Conrad
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Choi NG, Marti CN. Depression in older women who died by suicide: associations with other suicide contributors and suicide methods. J Women Aging 2024; 36:210-224. [PMID: 38090746 PMCID: PMC11062817 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2023.2292164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Suicides among older women have received little research attention. In this study based on the 2017-2019 National Violent Death Reporting System data, we examined the prevalence of depression in older female suicide decedents (N = 3,061), associations between depression and other suicide precipitants, and the associations between suicide methods and depression. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLM) for a Poisson distribution with a log link were used to examine the research questions. Of the decedents, 15.0% had depressed mood without a reported diagnosis and 41.8% had a depression diagnosis. Nearly one-half of the decedents with reported depression were receiving mental health/substance use treatment at the time of injury. The likelihood of depression was lower among those who were age 85 and older compared to those were age 65-74, but higher among those who had anxiety disorder (IRR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.33-1.69), history of suicidal ideation (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.10-1.35), history of suicide attempt (IRR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.14-1.41), and bereavement problems (IRR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.27-1.65). Those who had depression were less likely to have used firearms (IRR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.97) but more likely to have used hanging/suffocation (IRR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.13-1.67). The findings show that gun ownership was likely an important factor for firearm use. The high prevalence of depressed mood and/or depression diagnosis among older female suicide decedents at the time of their fatal injury underscores the importance of assessing depression and providing evidence-based depression treatment as an essential suicide prevention approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G. Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - C. Nathan Marti
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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20
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Ki M, Lapierre S, Gim B, Hwang M, Kang M, Dargis L, Jung M, Koh EJ, Mishara B. A systematic review of psychosocial protective factors against suicide and suicidality among older adults. Int Psychogeriatr 2024; 36:346-370. [PMID: 38305360 DOI: 10.1017/s104161022300443x] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on suicide rarely focuses on protective factors. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the evidence of the associations between protective factors and reduced suicidality among older adults. METHOD First, a scoping review was conducted to identify pertinent terms that refer to various protective factors against suicidality. A systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, was then conducted on a selection of 15 protective factors (e.g., perceived control, well-being and quality of life, life satisfaction, purpose-in-life, resilience, coping, religiosity, hope, self-regulation, sense of belonging, mattering, positive relationship, social support, social connectedness, and social participation), with separate searches performed on each factor in five databases. Empirical studies were eligible if participants were adults aged 60 years and over, and if the studies reported predictive statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 70 studies were retained for the review. Suicidal ideation was the main outcome measure (91%). Significant associations were consistently observed between all protective factors and reduced suicidal ideations or behaviors, particularly for purpose-in-life, resilience, and positive relationships, indicating that these are solid components for suicide prevention. Using scales, instead of a single item, to measure protective factors (e.g. life satisfaction) was more efficient to capture the associations. On the other hand, results were similar whether studies used subjective (e.g., sense of belonging) or objective (e.g., social connectedness) measures. CONCLUSION Protective factors were inversely associated with suicidal ideation. Improving protective factors is essential for the development of late-life suicide prevention and interventions, instead of merely focusing on risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Ki
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sylvie Lapierre
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Boeun Gim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Hwang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minku Kang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Luc Dargis
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Myoungjee Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Emily Jiali Koh
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Brian Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Sharwood LN, Waller M, Draper B, Shand F. Exploring community mental health service use following hospital-treated intentional self-harm among older Australians: a survival analysis. Int Psychogeriatr 2024; 36:405-414. [PMID: 37960921 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223000959] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the impact of community mental health (CMH) care following index hospital-treated intentional self-harm (ISH) on all-cause mortality. A secondary aim was to describe patterns of CMH care surrounding index hospital-treated ISH. DESIGN A longitudinal whole-of-population record linkage study was conducted (2014-2019), with index ISH hospitalization (Emergency Department and/or hospital admissions) linked to all available hospital, deaths/cause of death, and CMH data. SETTING Australia's most populous state, New South Wales (NSW) comprised approximately 7.7 million people during the study period. CMH services are provided statewide, to assess and treat non-admitted patients, including post-discharge review. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with an index hospital presentation in NSW of ISH during the study period, aged 45 years or older. INTERVENTION CMH care within 14 days from index, versus not. MEASUREMENTS Cox-proportionate hazards regression analysis evaluated all-cause mortality risk, adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS Totally, 24,544 persons aged 45 years or older experienced a nonfatal hospital-treated ISH diagnosis between 2014 and 2019. CMH care was received by 56% within 14 days from index. Survival analysis demonstrated this was associated with 34% lower risk of death, adjusted for age, sex, marital status, index diagnosis, and 14-day hospital readmission (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58, 0.74, p < 0.001). Older males and chronic injury conveyed significantly greater risk of death overall. CONCLUSIONS CMH care within 14 days of index presentation for self-harm may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Greater effort is needed to engage older males presenting for self-harm in ongoing community mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa N Sharwood
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of NSW, Sydney
| | | | - Brian Draper
- Eastern Suburbs Older Persons' Mental Health Service, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales,Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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22
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Teasdale-Dubé A, Viau-Quesnel C, Lapierre S. Suicidal Ideation in Canadian Family Caregivers for a Person with Dementia: A Portrait of the Situation. Can J Aging 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38317578 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980824000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and potential associations (i.e., strength and direction) with caregiver characteristics or factors. A targeted survey was distributed to dementia caregivers aged 55+ years. Questions concerning psychological distress, suicidal thoughts while caregiving and antecedents of suicidal behaviours were administered. A sample of 71 French-speaking Canadian caregivers completed the survey between May and October 2019. Among them, 52.1 per cent (n = 37) reported suicidal ideation while providing care to a relative or a friend living with dementia. Caregivers who presented suicidal ideation reported more abusive behaviour toward the care recipient. Caregivers who reported suicidal thoughts were significantly more distressed than caregivers without them on measures of burden, depression, and anxiety. Suicidal thoughts in caregivers are important evaluation targets, primarily for the prevention of suicide, but also because caregivers who report suicidal thoughts also present a heightened risk for abusing the care recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrée Teasdale-Dubé
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles Viau-Quesnel
- Quebec Network for Research on Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Gérontologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Lapierre
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Gérontologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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23
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Jang JS, Seo WS, Koo BH, Kim HG, Yun SH, Jo SH, Bai DS, Kim YG, Cheon EJ. The characteristics of elderly suicidal attempters in the emergency department in Korea: a retrospective study. JOURNAL OF YEUNGNAM MEDICAL SCIENCE 2024; 41:30-38. [PMID: 38155553 PMCID: PMC10834272 DOI: 10.12701/jyms.2023.01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Korea ranks first in the suicide rate of elderly individuals, there is limited research on those who attempt suicide, with preventive measures largely based on population-based studies. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of elderly individuals who attempted suicide with those of younger adults who visited the emergency department after suicide attempts and identified the factors associated with lethality in the former group. METHODS Individuals who visited the emergency department after a suicide attempt from April 1, 2017, to January 31, 2020, were included. Participants were classified into two groups according to age (elderly, ≥65 years; adult, 18-64 years). Among the 779 adult patients, 123 were elderly. We conducted a chi-square test to compare the demographic and clinical features between these groups and a logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for lethality in the elderly group. RESULTS Most elderly participants were men, with no prior psychiatric history or suicide attempts, and had a higher prevalence of underlying medical conditions and attributed their attempts to physical illnesses. Being sober and planning suicide occurred more frequently in this group. In the elderly group, factors that increased the mortality rate were biological male sex (p<0.05), being accompanied by family members (p<0.05), and poisoning as a suicide method (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Suicide attempts in elderly individuals have different characteristics from those in younger adults and are associated with physical illness. Suicides in the former group are unpredictable, deliberate, and fatal. Therefore, tailored prevention and intervention strategies addressing the characteristics of those who are elderly and attempt suicide are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Seon Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Wan-Seok Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Bon-Hoon Koo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hey-Geum Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Yun
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - So-Hey Jo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dae-Seok Bai
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Young-Gyo Kim
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Cheon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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24
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Jiménez AL, Cruz-Gonzalez M, Forsyth Calhoun T, Cohen L, Alegría M. Late life anxiety and depression symptoms, and suicidal behaviors in racial/ethnic minority older adults in community-based organizations and community clinics in the U.S. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 30:22-34. [PMID: 35113605 PMCID: PMC9519187 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Late life anxiety and depression represent a significant source of disability, with racial/ethnic minority older adults in the U.S. showing marked disparities in healthy aging. Community-based organizations (CBOs) and community clinics serve these populations for preventive care, yet few identify their mental health service needs. We examine the association between race/ethnicity and risk of mild-to-severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, and suicidal behaviors in minority older adults. METHOD Data come from the multisite randomized controlled trial Building Community Capacity for Disability Prevention for Minority Elders, which screened 1,057 adults (45.5% Asian, 26.8% Latinx, 15.0% non-Latinx Black, 8.5% non-Latinx White, and 4.2% American Indian) aged 60 + years at CBOs and clinics in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Screened participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) for depression symptoms, and the Paykel Suicide Risk Questionnaire for suicidal behaviors. RESULTS 28.1% of older adults reported mild-to-severe anxiety symptoms, 30.1% reported mild-to-severe depression symptoms, and 4.3% reported at least one suicidal behavior. Compared to non-Latinx Whites, Latinxs had higher odds of mild-to-severe anxiety and depression symptoms and one or more suicidal behaviors, and Asians had higher odds of mild-to-severe depression symptoms only. CONCLUSIONS There is an urgent need to improve outreach for screening and preventive mental health care for minority older adults. Expanding outreach and community-based capacity to identify and treat minority older adults with mental health conditions represents an opportunity to prevent disability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida L. Jiménez
- Department of Psychology, University of Puerto Rico, San
Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Mario Cruz-Gonzalez
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Lauren Cohen
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Margarita Alegría
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital
- Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical
School
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25
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Langford VM. Risk Factors for Suicide in Men. Nurs Clin North Am 2023; 58:513-524. [PMID: 37832996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Suicide and the risk factors associated with it have been researched with increasing interest over the last 5 decades with respect to socioeconomic status, age, geographic location, and ethnic background. There has been less focus related to the risk factors specific to gender and how to incorporate clinical screening and interventions to reduce the mortality of suicide in males. With men accounting for a disproportionate number of deaths from suicide in the United States and worldwide, how gender could impact suicidal behavior and ideations remains a topic understudied and with great potential for significant improvement in clinical recognition and treatment.
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Kim Y, Nam E, Yun Y. Factors associated with depression and suicidal ideation among oldest-old adults aged 85 years or older based on gender, using the survey data of South Korea. Psychogeriatrics 2023; 23:996-1006. [PMID: 37646325 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13020] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Korea is predicted to become a superaged society around 2025. Depression in older adults is a major factor influencing suicide. South Korea exhibits the highest suicide rate among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. METHODS This study aimed to examine the factors associated with depression and suicidal ideation among individuals aged 85 years or older based on gender. Data were obtained from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, 2017. Overall, 768 individuals aged ≥85 years were included in the final analysis. The participants' general, health-related, and social characteristics were analyzed as factors influencing depression and suicidal ideation. RESULTS Among male oldest-old adults, living arrangements and the number of chronic diseases were factors affecting depression, while activities of daily living restrictions and the number of chronic diseases were factors affecting suicidal ideation. Among female oldest-old adults, only the number of chronic diseases affected depression, while financial status and the number of chronic diseases were the factors affecting suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The healthcare and welfare services for older adults must be expanded to cater to oldest-old adults who live alone, have activities of daily living restrictions, and have lower financial status. Additionally, the oldest age group's psychological health must be monitored regularly for depression and suicidal ideation to implement active interventions for this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujeong Kim
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Eunhee Nam
- Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Younghee Yun
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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27
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Solomonov N, Victoria LW, Lyons K, Phan DK, Alexopoulos GS, Gunning FM, Flückiger C. Social reward processing in depressed and healthy individuals across the lifespan: A systematic review and a preliminary coordinate-based meta-analysis of fMRI studies. Behav Brain Res 2023; 454:114632. [PMID: 37598904 PMCID: PMC10557626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social rewards (e.g., social feedback, praise, and social interactions) are fundamental to social learning and relationships across the life span. Exposure to social rewards is linked to activation in key brain regions, that are impaired in major depression. This is the first summary of neuroimaging literature on social reward processing in depressed and healthy individuals. METHOD We screened 409 studies and identified 25 investigating task-based fMRI activation during exposure to social stimuli in depressed and healthy populations across the lifespan. We conducted a systematic review followed by an Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) analysis of three main contrasts: a) positive social feedback vs. neutral stimuli; b) negative social feedback vs. neutral stimuli; c) positive vs. negative social feedback. We also compared activation patterns in depressed versus healthy controls. RESULTS Systematic review revealed that social rewards elicit increased activation in subcortical reward regions (NAcc, amygdala, ventral striatum, thalamus) in healthy and depressed individuals; and decreased activation in prefrontal reward regions (medial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex) among depressed persons. Our meta-analysis showed, in both depressed and healthy individuals, increased cluster activation of the putamen and caudate in response to negative social stimuli vs. positive stimuli. We also found increased cluster activation in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the medial frontal gyrus (MFG) in healthy controls vs. depressed individuals, in response to negative social stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Processing of social stimuli elicits activation of key brain regions involved in affective and social information processing. Interventions for depression can increase social reward responsivity to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Solomonov
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA.
| | - Lindsay W Victoria
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Krystalle Lyons
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Dustin K Phan
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA; University of Kassel, Germany
| | - George S Alexopoulos
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Faith M Gunning
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
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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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Hedna K, Waern M. Use of Psychoactive Medications and Risk of Suicide in Late Life (75+): A Total Population Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2023; 10:491-498. [PMID: 37421593 PMCID: PMC10491562 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-023-00380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychoactive medications play an important role for the mental health and risk of suicidal behaviour in the oldest segment of the population (75+). A better understanding of psychoactive medication use is advocated to prevent suicide in this age group. PURPOSE We investigated the risk of suicide associated with the use of psychoactive medications in the total population aged ≥ 75 years, with and without exposure to antidepressants. METHOD A national population-based register study, including all Swedish residents aged ≥ 75 years between 2006 and 2014 (N = 1,413,806). A nested case-control design was used to investigate psychoactive medications associated with suicide among users and non-users of antidepressants. Risk estimates were calculated in adjusted conditional logistic regression models for the entire cohort and by gender. RESULTS Suicide occurred in 1305 persons (907 men and 398 women). Among them, 555 (42.5%) were on an antidepressant at the time of suicide. Adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) for suicide was increased in those who were on hypnotics in the total cohort (aIRR 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.74 to 2.41), in both users and non-users of antidepressants and for both genders. Elevated suicide risk was observed in those who concomitantly used anxiolytics with antidepressants (1.51, 1.25 to 1.83). Decreased risk of suicide was observed among those who were on anti-dementia drugs, in the total cohort (0.33, 0.21 to 0.52) and in both users and non-users of antidepressants. Use of antipsychotics and mood stabilisers showed no effect on suicide risk. CONCLUSION Use of hypnotics and concomitant use of anxiolytics with antidepressants was associated with increased risk of late-life suicide. Our findings suggest the need for careful evaluation of the benefit-risk balance of psychoactive medications as well as their availability as a possible suicide means. Future research should consider the indication of use of the psychoactive medications and the severity of psychiatric and medical illnesses of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Hedna
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Statistikkonsulterna Västra AB, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Margda Waern
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychosis Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Hedna K, Jonson M, Sigström R, Åberg M, Wilhelmson K, Waern M. Healthcare visits for mental disorders and use of psychotropic medications before and after self-harm in a cohort aged 75. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2052-2060. [PMID: 36803189 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2179974] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-fatal self-harm (SH) is a major risk factor for late-life suicide. A better knowledge of the clinical management of older adults who self-harm is needed to establish where improvements could be made for the implementation of effective suicide prevention interventions. We therefore assessed contacts with primary and specialised care for mental disorders and psychotropic drug use during the year before and after a late-life non-fatal SH episode. METHOD Longitudinal population-based study in adults aged ≥75 years with SH episode between 2007 and 2015 retrieved from the regional database VEGA. Healthcare contacts for mental disorders and psychotropic use were assessed during the year before and after the index SH episode. RESULTS There were 659 older adults who self-harmed. During the year before SH, 33.7% had primary care contacts with a mental disorder, 27.8% had such contacts in specialised care. Use of specialised care increased sharply after the SH, reaching a maximum of 68.9%, but this figure dropped to 19.5% by the end of the year. Use of antidepressants increased from 41% before to 60% after the SH episode. Use of hypnotics was extensive before and after SH (60%). Psychotherapy was rare in both primary and specialised care. CONCLUSION The use of specialised care for mental disorders and antidepressant prescribing increased after SH. The drop in long-term healthcare visits should be further explored to align primary and specialised healthcare to the needs of older adults who self-harmed. The psychosocial support of older adults with common mental disorders needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Hedna
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Statistikkonsulterna AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Jonson
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Affective Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Sigström
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Åberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Regionhälsan, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katarina Wilhelmson
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychosis Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Iverson GL, Jamshidi P, Fisher-Hubbard AO, Deep-Soboslay A, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, deJong JL, Shepherd CE, Hazrati LN, Castellani RJ. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change is uncommon in men who played amateur American football. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1143882. [PMID: 37404944 PMCID: PMC10315537 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1143882] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We examined postmortem brain tissue from men, over the age of 50, for chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change (CTE-NC). We hypothesized that (i) a small percentage would have CTE-NC, (ii) those who played American football during their youth would be more likely to have CTE-NC than those who did not play contact or collision sports, and (iii) there would be no association between CTE-NC and suicide as a manner of death. Methods Brain tissue from 186 men and accompanying clinical information were obtained from the Lieber Institute for Brain Development. Manner of death was determined by a board-certified forensic pathologist. Information was obtained from next of kin telephone interviews, including medical, social, demographic, family, and psychiatric history. The 2016 and 2021 consensus definitions were used for CTE-NC. Two authors screened all cases, using liberal criteria for identifying "possible" CTE-NC, and five authors examined the 15 selected cases. Results The median age at the time of death was 65 years (interquartile range = 57-75; range = 50-96). There were 25.8% with a history of playing American football and 36.0% who had suicide as their manner of death. No case was rated as definitively having "features" of CTE-NC by all five authors. Ten cases were rated as having features of CTE-NC by three or more authors (5.4% of the sample), including 8.3% of those with a personal history of playing American football and 3.9% of those who did not play contact or collision sports. Of those with mood disorders during life, 5.5% had features of CTE-NC compared to 6.0% of those who did not have a reported mood disorder. Of those with suicide as a manner of death, 6.0% had features of CTE-NC compared to 5.0% of those who did not have suicide as a manner of death. Discussion We did not identify a single definitive case of CTE-NC, from the perspective of all raters, and only 5.4% of cases were identified as having possible features of CTE-NC by some raters. CTE-NC was very uncommon in men who played amateur American football, those with mood disorders during life, and those with suicide as a manner of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Pouya Jamshidi
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amanda O. Fisher-Hubbard
- Department of Pathology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Amy Deep-Soboslay
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thomas M. Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel E. Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joyce L. deJong
- Department of Pathology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Claire E. Shepherd
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lili-Naz Hazrati
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rudolph J. Castellani
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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O'Connor RC, Worthman CM, Abanga M, Athanassopoulou N, Boyce N, Chan LF, Christensen H, Das-Munshi J, Downs J, Koenen KC, Moutier CY, Templeton P, Batterham P, Brakspear K, Frank RG, Gilbody S, Gureje O, Henderson D, John A, Kabagambe W, Khan M, Kessler D, Kirtley OJ, Kline S, Kohrt B, Lincoln AK, Lund C, Mendenhall E, Miranda R, Mondelli V, Niederkrotenthaler T, Osborn D, Pirkis J, Pisani AR, Prawira B, Rachidi H, Seedat S, Siskind D, Vijayakumar L, Yip PSF. Gone Too Soon: priorities for action to prevent premature mortality associated with mental illness and mental distress. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:452-464. [PMID: 37182526 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally, too many people die prematurely from suicide and the physical comorbidities associated with mental illness and mental distress. The purpose of this Review is to mobilise the translation of evidence into prioritised actions that reduce this inequity. The mental health research charity, MQ Mental Health Research, convened an international panel that used roadmapping methods and review evidence to identify key factors, mechanisms, and solutions for premature mortality across the social-ecological system. We identified 12 key overarching risk factors and mechanisms, with more commonalities than differences across the suicide and physical comorbidities domains. We also identified 18 actionable solutions across three organising principles: the integration of mental and physical health care; the prioritisation of prevention while strengthening treatment; and the optimisation of intervention synergies across social-ecological levels and the intervention cycle. These solutions included accessible, integrated high-quality primary care; early life, workplace, and community-based interventions co-designed by the people they should serve; decriminalisation of suicide and restriction of access to lethal means; stigma reduction; reduction of income, gender, and racial inequality; and increased investment. The time to act is now, to rebuild health-care systems, leverage changes in funding landscapes, and address the effects of stigma, discrimination, marginalisation, gender violence, and victimisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory C O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, School of Health & Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Marie Abanga
- Hope for the Abused and Battered, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Lai Fong Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney and the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jayati Das-Munshi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, and Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - James Downs
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK and Faculty of Wellbeing, Education, and Language Studies, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | | | | | - Peter Templeton
- The William Templeton Foundation for Young People's Mental Health, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Simon Gilbody
- York Mental Health and Addictions Research Group, University of York, York, UK
| | - Oye Gureje
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neuroscience, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - David Henderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann John
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Murad Khan
- Brain & Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - David Kessler
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute, Centre for Academic Mental Health, Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Olivia J Kirtley
- Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Brandon Kohrt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alisa K Lincoln
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Crick Lund
- Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Global Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Mendenhall
- Edmund A Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Regina Miranda
- Hunter College, Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion Unit, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Osborn
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony R Pisani
- University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, SafeSide Prevention, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan Siskind
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Paul S F Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Wang R, Zheng S, Ouyang X, Zhang S, Ge M, Yang M, Sheng X, Yang K, Xia L, Zhou X. Suicidality and Its Association with Stigma in Clinically Stable Patients with Schizophrenia in Rural China. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1947-1956. [PMID: 37275277 PMCID: PMC10237198 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s413070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with schizophrenia not only experience more stigma than those with other mental illnesses, but they also have a higher risk of committing suicide. There are, however, few research on the connection between rural individuals with clinically stable schizophrenia and suicidality when they feel stigmatized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to look at the suicidality in clinically stable patients with schizophrenia in rural China, including the prevalence, clinical correlates, and its relationships with stigma. Patients and Methods From September 2022 to October 2022, we conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study in rural Chaohu, Anhui Province, China, and A total of 821 patients with schizophrenia completed the assessment. Three standardized questions were used to assess suicidality (including suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt), Patient Health Questionnaire with 9 items (PHQ-9) for determining depressive state, the first two items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (QOL), which measures quality of life, the Social Impact Scale (SIS) to assess stigma, and some other important variables (eg employment, psychiatric medication, etc.) were measured using a homemade scale. Results Of the 821 participants who completed the questionnaire, 19.2% of the patients were found to have suicidality, of which 19.2% (158/821) were suicidal ideation, 5.6% (46/821) were suicide plans and 4.5% (37/821) were suicide attempts. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that job status (OR=0.520, p=0.047), psychiatric medication (OR=2.353, p=0.020), number of hospitalizations (OR=1.047, p=0.042), quality of life (OR=0.829, p=0.027), PHQ-9 (OR=0.209, p<0.001) stigma (OR=1.060, p<0.001) and social isolation in stigma (OR=1.134, p=0.001) were associated independently with suicidality. Conclusion Among clinically stable schizophrenia patients in rural China, suicidality is frequent and associated with stigma. Since stigma and some risk factors have a negative impact on suicidality, we should conduct routine screening and take suicide prevention measures to clinically stable schizophrenia patients in rural areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoqi Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaofei Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Menglin Ge
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Yang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanlian Sheng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kefei Yang
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Xia
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
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da Rosa PPDS, Marques LP, Corrêa VP, De Oliveira C, Schneider IJC. Is the combination of depression symptoms and multimorbidity associated with the increase of the prevalence of functional disabilities in Brazilian older adults? A cross-sectional study. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1188552. [PMID: 37288071 PMCID: PMC10242069 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1188552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Functional disabilities are more prevalent in older adults with multimorbidity and depression. However, few studies have investigated the combination of multimorbidity and depression with functional disability. This study aims to verify whether symptoms of depression and multimorbidity combined increase the prevalence of functional disability in Brazilian older adults. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) baseline examination in 2015-2016 in adults aged 50 years and older. The variables included were basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), depressive symptoms, multimorbidity (≥2 chronic diseases), sociodemographic variables, and lifestyle. Logistic regression was performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results: A total of 7,842 participants over 50 years of age were included. Of these, 53.5% were women and 50.5% were between 50 and 59 years old, 33.5% reported ≥4 depressive symptoms, 51.4% had multimorbidity, 13.5% reported difficulty in performing at least one BADL, and 45.1% reported difficulty in performing the IADL. In the adjusted analysis, the prevalence of difficulty on BADL was 6.52 (95% CI: 5.14; 8.27) and on IADL was 2.34 (95% CI: 2.15; 2.55), higher for those with depression and multimorbidity combined when compared with those without these conditions. Conclusion: The combination of symptoms of depression and multimorbidity may increase functional impairments in the BADL and IADL of Brazilian older adults, impairing self-efficacy, independence, and autonomy. Early detection of these factors benefits the person, their family, and the healthcare system for health promotion and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Pereira Corrêa
- Graduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Cesar De Oliveira
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ione Jayce Ceola Schneider
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Forster GK, Aarø LE, Alme MN, Hansen T, Nilsen TS, Vedaa Ø. Built Environment Accessibility and Disability as Predictors of Well-Being among Older Adults: A Norwegian Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105898. [PMID: 37239625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the influence environmental factors have on well-being is important to deliver policies supporting healthy ageing and sustainable health equity. An under-researched question is whether and how the built environment plays a role on well-being among older adults with disabilities. This study explores the relationship between built environment accessibility and disability on psychosocial well-being among older adults. Data were used from the Norwegian Counties Public Health Survey collected during February 2021 in Møre and Romsdal county (N = 8274; age = 60-97, mean = 68.6). General linear modelling was performed to examine the relationship and interaction between built environment accessibility (services, transportation, and nature) and disability on psychosocial well-being (quality of life, thriving, loneliness, and psychological distress). Higher levels of disability and poorer accessibility were each significantly related to lower psychosocial well-being across all variables (p < 0.001). Significant interaction effects were observed between disability and built environment accessibility on thriving (F(8, 5936) = 4.97, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.006) and psychological distress (F(8, 5957) = 3.09, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.004). No significant interaction effects were found for quality of life and loneliness. These findings indicate good built environment accessibility is associated with thriving and reduces psychological distress among older adults with disabilities. This study supports and extends previous findings on the importance of accessible and equipped environments for well-being and may aid policy makers when planning built environments to foster healthy ageing among this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Katharine Forster
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, NO-7047 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, HVL, NO-5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Leif Edvard Aarø
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Nordheim Alme
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, HVL, NO-5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Welfare and Labour Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, NO-0170 Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, University of Oslo, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Sevenius Nilsen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, University of Oslo, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Vedaa
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, UiB, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Voss District Psychiatric Hospital NKS Bjørkeli, NO-5705 Voss, Norway
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Soupene VA, Davis J, Fogner A, Casteel C. Circumstances Contributing to Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Worker Death by Suicide. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:394-400. [PMID: 36727910 PMCID: PMC10175102 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine risk factors related to death by suicide among installation, maintenance, and repair (IMR) workers compared with workers in other occupational groups. METHODS The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data for the years 2013 to 2018 was used to identify suicide deaths. Circumstance variables were used to examine differences between IMR workers and other workers. RESULTS Having a physical health problem (1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.23) or a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (1.24; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.50) was more likely to contribute to IMR worker suicide compared with other occupations. Installation, maintenance, and repair workers were less likely to receive treatment for a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder (0.88; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.94). CONCLUSIONS Additional support for physical health problems, posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses, and mental health care access among IMR workers may reduce suicide deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Soupene
- University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
- University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jonathan Davis
- University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
- University of Iowa Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Fogner
- University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
- University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Carri Casteel
- University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
- University of Iowa Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Sun Y. Happiness and mental health of older adults: multiple mediation analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1108678. [PMID: 37179856 PMCID: PMC10169717 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1108678] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of older adult mental health. As the aging population grows, the mental health of older adults becomes a significant public health and social issue, with happiness serving as a key dimension of mental health. Methods This study utilizes public data from CGSS to investigate the relationship between happiness and mental health, with Process V4.1 used for mediating effects analysis. Results The findings suggest a positive predictive effect of happiness on mental health, with three mediating paths identified: independent mediating effect paths of income satisfaction and health, as well as a multiple mediating effects path through income satisfaction and health. Discussion The study suggests that improving the multi-subject mental health support service system for older adults and creating public values for mental health risk coping mechanisms. This helps to understand the complex relationship between aging on individual and social levels. These results provide empirical support for healthy aging among older adults and future policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Sun
- School of Management, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
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Otsuka I, Galfalvy H, Guo J, Akiyama M, Rujescu D, Turecki G, Hishimoto A, Mann JJ. Mapping the genetic architecture of suicide attempt and suicide death using polygenic risk scores for clinically-related psychiatric disorders and traits. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2689-2697. [PMID: 37310312 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004700] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal behavior is moderately heritable and a consequence of a combination of the diathesis traits for suicidal behavior and suicide-related major psychiatric disorders. Here, we sought to examine shared polygenic effects between various psychiatric disorders/traits and suicidal behavior and to compare the shared polygenic effects of various psychiatric disorders/traits on non-fatal suicide attempt and suicide death. METHODS We used our genotyped European ancestry sample of 260 non-fatal suicide attempters, 317 suicide decedents and 874 non-psychiatric controls to test whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) obtained from large GWASs for 22 suicide-related psychiatric disorders/traits were associated with suicidal behavior. Results were compared between non-fatal suicide attempt and suicide death in a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS PRSs for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, alcohol dependence, sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity, educational attainment, cognitive performance, and IQ were associated with suicidal behavior (Bonferroni-corrected p < 2.5 × 10-4). The polygenic effects of all 22 psychiatric disorders/traits had the same direction (p for binomial tests = 4.8 × 10-7) and were correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.85) between non-fatal suicide attempters and suicide decedents. CONCLUSIONS We found that polygenic effects for major psychiatric disorders and diathesis-related traits including stress responsiveness and intellect/cognitive function contributed to suicidal behavior. While we found comparable polygenic architecture between non-fatal suicide attempters and suicide decedents based on correlations with PRSs of suicide-related psychiatric disorders/traits, our analyses are limited by small sample size resulting in low statistical power to detect difference between non-fatal suicide attempt and suicide death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo Otsuka
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hanga Galfalvy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masato Akiyama
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Institute, McGill University, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - J John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Kuffel RL, Morin RT, Covinsky KE, Boscardin WJ, Lohman MC, Li Y, Byers AL. Association of Frailty With Risk of Suicide Attempt in a National Cohort of US Veterans Aged 65 Years or Older. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:287-295. [PMID: 36811913 PMCID: PMC9947807 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.5144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Importance Frailty is associated with reduced physiological reserve, lack of independence, and depression and may be salient for identifying older adults at increased risk of suicide attempt. Objectives To examine the association between frailty and risk of suicide attempt and how risk differs based on components of frailty. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide cohort study integrated databases from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient and outpatient health care services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data, and national suicide data. Participants included all US veterans aged 65 years or older who received care at VA medical centers from October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2013. Data were analyzed from April 20, 2021, to May 31, 2022. Exposures Frailty, defined based on a validated cumulative-deficit frailty index measured using electronic health data and categorized into 5 levels: nonfrailty, prefrailty, mild frailty, moderate frailty, and severe frailty. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was suicide attempts through December 31, 2017, provided by the national Suicide Prevention Applications Network (nonfatal attempts) and Mortality Data Repository (fatal attempts). Frailty level and components of the frailty index (morbidity, function, sensory loss, cognition and mood, and other) were assessed as potential factors associated with suicide attempt. Results The study population of 2 858 876 participants included 8955 (0.3%) who attempted suicide over 6 years. Among all participants, the mean (SD) age was 75.4 (8.1) years; 97.7% were men, 2.3% were women, 0.6% were Hispanic, 9.0% were non-Hispanic Black, 87.8% were non-Hispanic White, and 2.6% had other or unknown race and ethnicity. Compared with patients without frailty, risk of suicide attempt was uniformly higher among patients with prefrailty to severe frailty, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.27-1.42; P < .001) for prefrailty, 1.44 (95% CI, 1.35-1.54; P < .001) for mild frailty, 1.48 (95% CI, 1.36-1.60; P < .001) for moderate frailty, and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.29-1.56; P < .001) for severe frailty. Lower levels of frailty were associated with greater risk of lethal suicide attempt (aHR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.12-1.28] for prefrail veterans). Bipolar disorder (aHR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.54-2.86), depression (aHR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.67-1.87), anxiety (aHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.28-1.45), chronic pain (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.29), use of durable medical equipment (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.25), and lung disease (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.17) were independently associated with increased risk of suicide attempt. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that among US veterans aged 65 years or older, frailty was associated with increased risk of suicide attempts and lower levels of frailty were associated with greater risk of suicide death. Screening and involvement of supportive services across the spectrum of frailty appear to be needed to help reduce risk of suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall L. Kuffel
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco
| | - Ruth T. Morin
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, California
| | - Kenneth E. Covinsky
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - W. John Boscardin
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Matthew C. Lohman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Yixia Li
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco
| | - Amy L. Byers
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Halder M, Saha J, Roy A, Roy D, Chouhan P. Functional disability and its associated factors among the elderly in rural India using LASI Wave 1 data. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
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Sadath A, Troya MI, Nicholson S, Cully G, Leahy D, Ramos Costa AP, Benson R, Corcoran P, Griffin E, Phillip E, Cassidy E, Jeffers A, Shiely F, Alberdi-Páramo Í, Kavalidou K, Arensman E. Physical and mental illness comorbidity among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes: A mixed-methods study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1121313. [PMID: 36970268 PMCID: PMC10033892 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1121313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundResearch has indicated an increased risk of self-harm repetition and suicide among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Co-occurring physical and mental illness further increases the risk of self-harm and suicide. However, the association between this co-occurrence and frequent self-harm episodes is not well understood. The objectives of the study were (a) to examine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of individuals with frequent self-harm (regardless of suicidal intent) episodes and, (b) the association between physical and mental illness comorbidity, self-harm repetition, highly lethal self-harm methods, and suicide intent.MethodsThe study included consecutive patients with five or more self-harm presentations to Emergency Departments across three general hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. The study included file reviews (n = 183) and semi-structured interviews (n = 36). Multivariate logistic regression models and independent samples t-tests were used to test the association between the sociodemographic and physical and mental disorders comorbidity on highly lethal self-harm methods and suicidal intent, respectively. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes related to physical and mental illness comorbidity and frequent self-harm repetition.FindingsThe majority of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes were female (59.6%), single (56.1%), and unemployed (57.4%). The predominant current self-harm method was drug overdose (60%). Almost 90% of the participants had history of a mental or behavioral disorder, and 56.8% had recent physical illness. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were alcohol use disorders (51.1%), borderline personality disorder (44.0%), and major depressive disorder (37.8%). Male gender (OR = 2.89) and alcohol abuse (OR = 2.64) predicted the risk of a highly lethal self-harm method. Suicide intent was significantly higher among those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (t = 2.43; p = 0.020). Major qualitative themes were (a) the functional meaning of self-harm (b) self-harm comorbidity (c) family psychiatric history and (d) contacts with mental health services. Participants described experiencing an uncontrollable self-harm urge, and self-harm was referred to as a way to get relief from emotional pain or self-punishment to cope with anger and stressors.ConclusionPhysical and mental illness comorbidity was high among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Male gender and alcohol abuse were associated with highly lethal self-harm methods. The mental and physical illness comorbidity of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes should be addressed via a biopsychosocial assessment and subsequent indicated treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvar Sadath
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Anvar Sadath,
| | - M. Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicholson
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Dorothy Leahy
- Kerry Primary Care Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology Service, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Health Service Executive, Kerry, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth Benson
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eve Griffin
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eunice Phillip
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene Cassidy
- Liaison Psychiatry Services, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Frances Shiely
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Health Research Board (HRB), Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Katerina Kavalidou
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-Related Ideation (NCPSHI), Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Applied Psychology, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Patel A, Ness J, Kelly S, Waters K, Townsend E, Kapur N, Clements C, Farooq B, Geulayov G, Casey D, Hawton K. The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: Findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e5895. [PMID: 36840547 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults have a high risk of suicide following self-harm. Contemporary information on self-harm in this population is needed to inform care provision. OBJECTIVES To examine subgroup differences in the incidence of self-harm, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, preceding life problems and outcomes in individuals aged 60 years and over presenting to hospital following self-harm. METHOD Data on Emergency Department (ED) presentations for self-harm from 2003 to 2016 from three centres in the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England were analysed. Changes in self-harm rates were examined using Poisson regression. Univariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with 12-month self-harm repetition. RESULTS There were 3850 presentations for self-harm by 2684 individuals aged 60 years and over. Self-harm rates increased over time for 60-74-year-old men (Incident Rate Ratio = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval 1.02-1.06, p < 0.0001). Problems most frequently reported to have preceded self-harm were mental health (40.5%) and physical health (38.3%) concerns. Problems with alcohol, finances, employment and relationship with partner were found more frequently in 60-74-year-olds compared with those aged over 74 years. Physical health problems were common with increasing age, as were problems with alcohol for men. One in ten (10.8%) individuals presented to hospital with self-harm within 12 months of their index presentation. CONCLUSIONS Self-harm-related ED attendances in older men have increased, particularly for men aged 60-74 years. Prevention and clinical management should involve a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to target common precipitants for the wide range of problems preceding self-harm and may include support with physical and mental wellbeing and advice on safer alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Patel
- Centre for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Jennifer Ness
- Centre for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Samantha Kelly
- Centre for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Keith Waters
- Centre for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Ellen Townsend
- Self-Harm Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Navneet Kapur
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline Clements
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bushra Farooq
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Galit Geulayov
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah Casey
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Li S, Liu S, Zhang P, Lin Y, Cui Y, Gu Y, Wang J, Liu Z, Zhang B. Suicidal ideation in the general population in China after the COVID-19 pandemic was initially controlled. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:834-840. [PMID: 36529410 PMCID: PMC9754752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of psychological problems including suicidal ideation (SI) in the general population. In this study, we investigated the risk factors of SI after the COVID-19 pandemic was initially controlled in China. METHODS We conducted an online questionnaire via JD Health APP in China in June 2020. Demographic data, feelings and experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic and psychological problems were collected. The participants (n = 14,690) were divided into the non-SI and SI groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the correlates of SI. RESULTS Nine percent of the participants (1328/14690) reported SI. The regression analysis showed that SI was positively associated with ethnic minority (OR = 1.42 [1.08-1.85]), age (e.g. 18-30 years: OR = 2.31 [1.67-3.20]), having history of mental disorders (OR = 2.75 [2.27-3.35]), daily life disturbance due to health problems (OR = 1.67 [1.38-2.01]), being around someone with the COVID-19 (OR = 1.58 [1.30-1.91]), being uncertain about effective disease control (OR = 1.23 [1.03-1.46]), and having depressive symptoms (OR = 4.40 [3.59-5.39]), insomnia symptoms (OR = 2.49 [2.13-2.90]) or psychological distress (OR = 1.87 [1.59-2.18]). LIMITATIONS The main limitation is that the cross-sectional design of this study could not allow us to further explore the causality of SI. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of SI was relatively high in general population after the COVID-19 pandemic was initially controlled in China. SI should be monitored continually after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Puxiao Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yanmei Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingru Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongchun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain - Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Rucco D, Gentile G, Tambuzzi S, Fanton B, Calati R, Zoja R. Hospital inpatient suicides: A retrospective comparison between psychiatric and non-psychiatric inpatients in Milan healthcare facilities. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:334-347. [PMID: 36748828 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12947] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inpatient suicide in hospitals is a worrying phenomenon that has received little attention. This study retrospectively explored the socio-demographic, clinical, and suicide-related characteristics of hospital inpatient suicides in Milan, Italy, which were collected at the Institute of Forensic Medicine during a twenty-eight-year period (1993-2020). In particular, this study compared the features of hospital inpatient suicides in patients with and without psychiatric diagnoses. METHODS Data were collected through the historical archive, annual registers, and autopsy reports, in certified copies of the originals deposited with the prosecutors of the courts. RESULTS Considering the global sample, inpatients were mainly men (N = 128; 64.6%), with a mean age of 56.7 years (SD ± 19.8), of Italian nationality (N = 176; 88.9%), admitted to non-psychiatric wards (N = 132; 66.7%), with a single illness (N = 111; 56.1%), treated with psychotropic medications (N = 101; 51%), who used violent suicide methods (N = 177; 89.4%), died of organic injuries (N = 156; 78.8%), and outside the buildings (N = 114; 72.7%). Comparing psychiatric and non-psychiatric inpatients, suicide cases with a non-psychiatric diagnosis were predominantly men (N = 48; 76.2%), hospitalized in non-psychiatric wards (N = 62; 98.4%), assuming non-psychotropic drugs (N = 37; 58.7%), and died in outside hospital spaces (N = 54; 85.7%). CONCLUSIONS A fuller characterization of suicide among hospitalized inpatients requires systematic and computerized data gathering that provides for specific information. Indeed, this could be valuable for inpatient suicide prevention strategies as well as institutional policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Rucco
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Section of Legal Medicine and Insurance, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Section of Legal Medicine and Insurance, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Fanton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Section of Legal Medicine and Insurance, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Section of Legal Medicine and Insurance, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Adviento BA, Regan EA, Make BJ, Han MK, Foreman MG, Iyer AS, Bhatt SP, Kim V, Bon J, Soler X, Kinney GL, Hanania NA, Lowe KE, Holm KE, Yohannes AM, Shinozaki G, Hoth KF, Fiedorowicz JG. Clinical Markers Associated With Risk of Suicide or Drug Overdose Among Individuals With Smoking Exposure: A Longitudinal Follow-up Study of the COPDGene Cohort. Chest 2023; 163:292-302. [PMID: 36167120 PMCID: PMC10083129 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that COPD and smoking are associated with increased suicide risk. To date, there are no prospective studies examining suicide risk among individuals with smoking exposure along a spectrum of pulmonary diseases ranging from normal spirometry to severe COPD. RESEARCH QUESTION Which clinical variables predict death by suicide or overdose of indeterminate intent in a large cohort of individuals with smoking exposure within the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We studied data from 9,930 participants involved in COPDGene, a multisite, prospective cohort study of individuals with smoking exposure. Primary cause of adjudicated deaths was identified by using death certificates, family reports, and medical records. Time to death by suicide/overdose was examined as the primary outcome in Cox regression models including age, sex, race, BMI, pack-years, current smoking status, airflow limitation (FEV1 % predicted), dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council scale score ≥ 2), 6-min walk distance, supplemental oxygen use, and severe exacerbations in the prior year with time-varying covariates and other causes of death as a competing risk. RESULTS The cohort was 47% female and 33% Black (67% White); they had a mean ± SD age of 59.6 ± 9.0 years and a mean FEV1 % predicted of 76.1 ± 25.5. Sixty-three individuals died by suicide/overdose. Factors associated with risk of suicide/overdose were current smoking (hazard ratio [HR], 6.44; 95% CI, 2.64-15.67), use of sedative/hypnotics (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.24-4.38), and dyspnea (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.34-3.70). Lower risk was associated with older age (per-decade HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.67), higher BMI (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99), and African-American race (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.74). Severity of airflow limitation (FEV % predicted) was not associated with suicide risk. INTERPRETATION In this well-characterized cohort of individuals with smoking exposure with and without COPD, risk factors for suicide/overdose were identified that emphasize the subjective experience of illness over objective assessments of lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid A Adviento
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Elizabeth A Regan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Barry J Make
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - MeiLan K Han
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Marilyn G Foreman
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Anand S Iyer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Surya P Bhatt
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Victor Kim
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jessica Bon
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Xavier Soler
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Gregory L Kinney
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Nicola A Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Katherine E Lowe
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kristen E Holm
- Division of Neurology and Behavioral Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO; Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Gen Shinozaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Karin F Hoth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.
| | - Jess G Fiedorowicz
- Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Carter G, Sperandei S, Spittal MJ, Chitty K, Clapperton A, Page A. Characteristics of suicide decedents with no federally funded mental health service contact in the 12 months before death in a population-based sample of Australians 45 years of age and over. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:110-123. [PMID: 36353997 PMCID: PMC10947544 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12928] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than half of suicide decedents have no contact with mental health services 12 months before death. It is uncertain if they have different characteristics than decedents who use mental health services. METHODS A case-series design. Participants 45 years and older, who died by suicide (2006-2018). Comparisons were made between those who did and did not have contact with mental health services, using individually linked data from federal services in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). RESULTS Of 186 cases, 71% had no contact with mental health services. Physical health services were used equally by 75%. Psychiatric medication use was uncommon, except for antidepressants, 50% with mental health service contact and 20% with no contact. Older age, lower income, involuntarily unemployed, firearms as suicide method, greater physical disability, less functional impairment due to emotional problems and lesser proportions with mental illness, were associated with no contact with mental health services. CONCLUSIONS For suicide prevention, middle-older aged adults may have less requirement for mental health intervention, and greater requirement for the development of complementary interventions focused on physical health and social issues, which are not necessarily best delivered by clinical mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Carter
- Faculty of Medicine and Health ScienceUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sandro Sperandei
- Translational Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Matthew J. Spittal
- Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kate Chitty
- School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Biomedical Informatics and Digital HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Angela Clapperton
- Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
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Liu Y, Zhang D, Wang R, Wang P, Su Y. Physical disability, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation among Chinese nursing home residents: the moderating role of resilience. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:263-271. [PMID: 35081837 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2032595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between physical disability and suicidal ideation, and whether the mediation effect was moderated by resilience among nursing home residents. METHODS Participants were 538 nursing home residents recruited from 37 nursing homes in Jinan, China (mean age = 78.13 years, SD = 8.72). The Lawton and Brody Activities of Daily Living Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, 10-item version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Beck Suicidal Ideation Inventory-Chinese Version were used. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed using Models 4 and 15 of the PROCESS macro for SPSS. RESULTS The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the nursing home residents was 14.90%. The mediation analysis showed that self-esteem partially mediated the association between physical disability and suicidal ideation. Resilience was a protective factor for suicidal ideation and moderated the relationship between physical disability and suicidal ideation, and between self-esteem and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION Both physical disability and lower self-esteem are important in understanding the development of suicidal ideation among nursing home residents. Improving resilience may be crucial for suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Liu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonggang Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Mejías-Martín Y, Martí-García C, Rodríguez-Mejías Y, Esteban-Burgos AA, Cruz-García V, García-Caro MP. Understanding for Prevention: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Suicide Notes and Forensic Reports. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2281. [PMID: 36767647 PMCID: PMC9915324 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Suicide risk is associated with vulnerabilities and specific life events. The study's objective was to explore the relevance of data from forensic documentation on suicide deaths to the design of person-centered preventive strategies. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted of forensic observations of 286 deaths by suicide, including some with suicide notes. Key findings included the influence of health-and family-related adverse events, emotional states of loss and sadness, and failures of the health system to detect and act on signs of vulnerability, as confirmed by the suicide notes. Forensic documentation provides useful information to improve the targeting of preventive campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Mejías-Martín
- Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Celia Martí-García
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Ana Alejandra Esteban-Burgos
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Víctor Cruz-García
- Cinebase, Cinema and Audiovisual School of Catalonia (ESCAC), 08222 Terrassa, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Caro
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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49
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Wang X, Beltran S, Burns R, Hamel M, Gray S, Gryglewicz K. Suicide Risk Help-Seeking Among Middle- to Old-Age Adults: A Systematic Review. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igac079. [PMID: 36815014 PMCID: PMC9940623 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac079] [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: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Suicide has become a major public health concern worldwide and in the United States. Rates of suicide increase during the life course and are highest among middle- to old-age adults. Help-seeking represents a crucial coping mechanism that can mitigate suicide risk. Yet, less is known about suicide risk help-seeking, especially among these age groups. To address this knowledge gap, a systematic review of existing literature was performed to obtain a refined understanding of help-seeking for suicide risk among middle- to old-age adults. Research Design and Methods Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, electronic databases and key journals with suicide and/or gerontology focuses were searched to identify peer-reviewed publications in English between 2010 and 2020. A total of 4 732 unduplicated publications were screened for relevance based on titles and abstracts, of which 52 were reviewed in full text. Results Twenty-four articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. These articles discussed a range of topics, including the prevalence of service utilization, service use prior to a suicide death, and correlates of help-seeking. In general, the prevalence of service utilization was low and varied by suicidal history (eg, higher prevalence among individuals with a history of suicide attempts than those with suicide ideation only). Key facilitators (eg, current or history of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts) and barriers (eg, stigma) for service use and help-seeking were also identified. Discussion and Implications Findings highlight the need for future studies and tailored services to improve age-appropriate and culturally responsive suicide prevention and intervention strategies for middle- to old-age adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Wang
- Address correspondence to: Xiaochuan Wang, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA. E-mail:
| | - Susanny Beltran
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Rachael Burns
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Marie Hamel
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sydney Gray
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Kim Gryglewicz
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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da Costa ME, Cândido LM, de Avelar NCP, Danielewicz AL. How much time of sedentary behavior is associated with depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults in southern Brazil? Geriatr Nurs 2023; 50:25-30. [PMID: 36640515 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Identify sedentary behavior (SB) cut-off points to screen for depressive symptoms in older adults and verify the association between these conditions. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 308 community-dwelling older adults was conducted. The outcome was the presence of depressive symptoms (≥6 points on the Geriatric Depression Scale-15). The exposure was SB using the self-reported time on a weekday and weekend (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). The cut-off points for SB categorization were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve and multivariate logistic regression to verify the association. RESULTS Older adults who spent ≥4.5 hours/day in SB (sensitivity = 48.8%; specificity = 67.8%) were 1.81 times more likely (95%CI: 1.03;3.15) to have depressive symptoms compared to those who stayed for shorter periods. CONCLUSIONS There was an association between SB and depressive symptoms; therefore, older adults must have SB <4.5 hours/day to reduce the chances of developing depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda da Costa
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Letícia Martins Cândido
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lúcia Danielewicz
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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