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Desai R, Tsipa A, Fearn C, El Baou C, Brotherhood EV, Charlesworth G, Crutch SJ, Flanagan K, Kerti A, Kurana S, Medeisyte R, Nuzum E, Osborn TG, Salmoiraghi A, Stott J, John A. Suicide and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102445. [PMID: 39127443 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102445] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Dementia is a global health concern with increasing numbers of people living long enough to develop dementia. People with dementia (PwD) may be particularly vulnerable to suicidality. However, suicide in PwD has not been thoroughly explored. The objective of this review was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of suicide in PwD. Five databases were searched from inception to July 2023. Peer-reviewed publications reporting prevalence, risk factors or quantitative summary data for suicide outcomes in PwD were included. Random effects models were used to calculate the pooled prevalence and effect sizes. 54 studies met inclusion criteria. In PwD, the point prevalence of suicidal ideation was 10 % (95 %CI=6 %;16 %), 2-year period prevalence of suicide attempts was 0.8 % (95 %CI=0.3 %;2 %), 10-year period prevalence of suicide attempts was 8.7 % (95 %CI=6.0 %%;12.7 %) and the incidence of death by suicide 0.1 % (95 %CI=0.1 %;0.2 %). Compared to not having dementia, a diagnosis of dementia increased risk of suicidal ideation (OR=1.62[95 %CI=1.17;2.24]) but not risk of suicide attempt (OR=1.77 [95 %CI=0.85;3.69]) or death by suicide (OR=1.30 [95 %CI=0.81;2.10]). People with moderate dementia had significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation than those with mild dementia (OR=1.59[95 %CI=1.11;2.28]), younger PwD were at increased risk of dying by suicide (OR=2.82[95 %CI=2.16;3.68]) and men with dementia were more likely to attempt (OR=1.28[95 %CI=1.25;1.31]) and die by suicide (OR=2.88[95 %CI=1.54;5.39]) than women with dementia. This review emphasises the need for mental health support and suicide prevention in dementia care, emphasising tailored approaches based on age, symptoms, and being male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopal Desai
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Anastasia Tsipa
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Caroline Fearn
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Céline El Baou
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Georgina Charlesworth
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK; Research and Development, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | | | - Katie Flanagan
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK; Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK.
| | - Amy Kerti
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Cymru NHS, Wales, UK.
| | - Suman Kurana
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Radvile Medeisyte
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Eleanor Nuzum
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Tom G Osborn
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Joshua Stott
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Amber John
- ADAPT Lab, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology Department, University College London, London, UK.
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Salvatore T. Dying by Suicide in Nursing Homes: A Preventable End of Life Outcome for Older Residents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 88:20-37. [PMID: 34404260 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211038798] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Suicide research and suicide prevention have given comparatively little attention to the older adult residents of nursing homes. This population is characterized by advanced age, significant infirmity, limited autonomy and social connections, and other factors associated with high suicide risk such as self-neglect. However, little is known of the actual incidence and prevalence of suicide in older adults in such residential care settings, partly because of how such deaths are reported. Suicide risk screenings are nominal, facility staff lack training to identify signs of suicidality, and suicide prevention programs are not common in the nursing home industry. These deficits can be remedied by increasing awareness among family members, facility caregivers, contracted providers, community aging services, accrediting and regulatory agencies, and residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Salvatore
- Montgomery County Emergency Service, Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States
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3
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Collins JD, Henley SMD, Suárez-González A. A systematic review of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and apathy in frontotemporal dementia, atypical and young-onset Alzheimer's disease, and inherited dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:457-476. [PMID: 32684177 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression, anxiety, and apathy are the most commonly reported neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding their prevalence in rarer dementias such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), young-onset AD (YOAD), and inherited dementias has implications for both clinical practice and research. In this study, we aimed to examine the current state of knowledge of the prevalence of these three NPS in less prevalent dementias. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review based on searches of EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PubMed up to September 2019. RESULTS 47 articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Depression, anxiety, and apathy were commonly reported across the phenotypes studied but their prevalence showed large variation between studies. Apathy showed the highest reported frequency in FTD (50-100% across studies), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) (73-100%), and YOAD (44-100%). Anxiety was frequently reported in FTD (0-100%) and bvFTD (19-63%). Depression showed the highest prevalence in FTD (7-69%) and YOAD (11-55%). Among the three variants of PPA, sv-PPA is the one most investigated (seven articles). Three or fewer articles were identified examining NPS in the remaining PPA variants, PCA, familial AD, and familial FTD. Inconsistency in the tools used to measure symptoms and small sample sizes were common methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should consider the inclusion of larger sample sizes (e.g. through multicenter collaborations) and the use of harmonized protocols that include the combination of caregiver and patient-derived measures and symptom-specific questionnaires. More research is needed on the phenotype-specific barriers and facilitators for people living with dementia to successfully engage in self-reports of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Collins
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susie M D Henley
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aida Suárez-González
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Differences of Modality Use between Telepractice and Face-to-Face Administration of the Scenario-Test in Persons with Dementia-Related Speech Disorder. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020204. [PMID: 36831747 PMCID: PMC9954369 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020204] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Telepractice is increasingly finding its way into the care of people with dementia. Web-based delivery of speech and language therapy (SLT) is feasible and has the potential to improve communication in people with dementia-related speech disorders. Although experts are discussing the strengths and weaknesses of telepractice, a precise analysis of the differences between analogue and digital communication for this heterogeneous group of patients is still missing. The three current single cases investigated verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication in a face-to-face (F2F) and digital setting through a qualitative research design. Using the scenario-test (ST) in person and via big blue button (BBB; video conferencing system), several decisive factors were detected, influencing the effectiveness of communication in a F2F compared to a digital setting. The most important results of the qualitative content analysis are described for each case individually. Additionally, the influence of person-related factors, such as age, diagnosis, presence of depression, and level of education, is presented. Perceptual, executive, and affective disorders, as well as aids of relatives, are considered separately. The results indicate that executive functions, affects, and perceptual deficits need to be taken into account if telepractice is to be applied. Age, education, and distinct forms of dementia might be decisive for successful telepractice as well.
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Portacolone E, Byers AL, Halpern J, Barnes DE. Addressing Suicide Risk in Patients Living With Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:956-963. [PMID: 35365827 PMCID: PMC9372890 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are progressive illnesses characterized by decline in cognitive function that impairs performing daily activities. People with ADRD are at an increased risk of suicide, especially those who have comorbid mental health conditions, have specific types of ADRD, or have been recently diagnosed. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the distress of people with ADRD, a population also at increased risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. In this article, we draw on a case study and use the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to help describe the association between ADRD and suicide risk. Secondly, we call for new strategies to mitigate suicide risk in people living with ADRD during and beyond the current pandemic by using lessons learned from cancer care. Our goal is not to dictate solutions but rather to start the conversation by outlining a framework for future research aimed at preventing death by suicide in people with ADRD. Specifically, we draw on the updated Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions to reflect on the complexity of the issue and to break it down into achievable parts to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior (ideation, plans, attempts) in those living with ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Portacolone
- Institute for Health & Aging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jodi Halpern
- University of California Berkeley-University of California San Francisco Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Deborah E Barnes
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Costanza A, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Magnani L, Serafini G, Amore M, Merli R, Ambrosetti J, Bondolfi G, Marzano L, Berardelli I. "Hard to Say, Hard to Understand, Hard to Live": Possible Associations between Neurologic Language Impairments and Suicide Risk. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121594. [PMID: 34942896 PMCID: PMC8699610 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In clinical practice, patients with language impairments often exhibit suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behavior (SB, covering the entire range from suicide attempts, SA, to completed suicides). However, only few studies exist regarding this subject. We conducted a mini-review on the possible associations between neurologic language impairment (on the motor, comprehension, and semantic sides) and SI/SB. Based on the literature review, we hypothesized that language impairments exacerbate psychiatric comorbidities, which, in turn, aggravate language impairments. Patients trapped in this vicious cycle can develop SI/SB. The so-called “affective prosody” provides some relevant insights concerning the interaction between the different language levels and the world of emotions. This hypothesis is illustrated in a clinical presentation, consisting of the case of a 74-year old woman who was admitted to a psychiatric emergency department (ED) after a failed SA. Having suffered an ischemic stroke two years earlier, she suffered from incomplete Broca’s aphasia and dysprosody. She also presented with generalized anxiety and depressive symptoms. We observed that her language impairments were both aggravated by the exacerbations of her anxiety and depressive symptoms. In this patient, who had deficits on the motor side, these exacerbations were triggered by her inability to express herself, her emotional status, and suffering. SI was fluctuant, and—one year after the SA—she completed suicide. Further studies are needed to ascertain possible reciprocal and interacting associations between language impairments, psychiatric comorbidities, and SI/SB. They could enable clinicians to better understand their patient’s specific suffering, as brought on by language impairment, and contribute to the refining of suicide risk detection in this sub-group of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-22-3797111
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (L.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (L.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Magnani
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (L.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (L.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (L.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Merli
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Center, Department of Mental Health, 13900 Biella, Italy;
| | - Julia Ambrosetti
- Emergency Psychiatric Unit (UAUP), Department of Psychiatry and Department of Emergency, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Guido Bondolfi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention (SPLIC), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Lisa Marzano
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Isabella Berardelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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7
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Kobayashi R, Hayashi H, Tokairin T, Kawakatsu S, Otani K. Suicide as a result of stereotypic behaviour in a case with semantic dementia. Psychogeriatrics 2019; 19:80-82. [PMID: 30058742 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Semantic dementia (SD) is characterized by semantic aphasia and prosopagnosia, but it may also include behavioural disturbances such as stereotypic behaviour. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with SD accompanied by stereotypic behaviour who committed suicide despite not being in a depressive state. He initially had major depressive disorder accompanied by suicide attempts, but he gradually showed remarkable impairment in single-word semantic comprehension, naming memory, and facial recognition memory. After the diagnosis of SD, his suicidal behaviour by hanging with a cord became stereotypic and lacked seriousness. He repeatedly attempted to hang himself and finally completed suicide. The present report suggests that the risk for suicide in SD is increased not only by the presence of a depressive state, but also by stereotypic behaviour related to suicide attempts before the onset of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takaki Tokairin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata Prefectural Mental Health Medical Center, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Shinobu Kawakatsu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan
| | - Koichi Otani
- Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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Matschke J, Sehner S, Gallinat J, Siegers J, Murroni M, Püschel K, Glatzel M. No difference in the prevalence of Alzheimer-type neurodegenerative changes in the brains of suicides when compared with controls: an explorative neuropathologic study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 268:509-517. [PMID: 29383449 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Suicide ranks among the leading causes of death for individuals of all ages with highest rates in the elderly. The cause of suicide is considered a multifactorial phenomenon. A variety of neurodegenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer's disease, or, more recently, tauopathies as frontotemporal lobar degeneration or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, has been suggested as risk factor for suicide. Accordingly, we hypothesized that neurodegenerative changes typical of these diseases should be more prevalent in the brains of suicides when compared with controls. Suicides from the German federal state of Hamburg (n = 162) were compared with age- and sex-matched controls who died of other cause. Neuropathological assessment included semiquantitative analysis of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles visualized with silver stains; in addition, quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of β-amyloid load and counts of tau-positive neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads was done. Univariate analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression models did not show an effect of any parameter associated with the odds of committing suicide. On the contrary, after stratification for age, older suicide victims (over 48 years) showed lower β-amyloid loads when compared to controls in the univariate analysis (suicides: 4.7 ± 12.9; controls: 9.9 ± 20.9; p = 0.031; r = - 0.17). In conclusion, neuropathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and common tauopathies associated with age seem to be of limited relevance for suicides. However, intact cognition when planning and carrying out complex acts may be of importance in the context of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Matschke
- Forensic Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany. .,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Susanne Sehner
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Siegers
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Murroni
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Bachmann S. Epidemiology of Suicide and the Psychiatric Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1425. [PMID: 29986446 PMCID: PMC6068947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 658] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a worldwide phenomenon. This review is based on a literature search of the World Health Organization (WHO) databases and PubMed. According to the WHO, in 2015, about 800,000 suicides were documented worldwide, and globally 78% of all completed suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Overall, suicides account for 1.4% of premature deaths worldwide. Differences arise between regions and countries with respect to the age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the individual and the respective country, method of suicide, and access to health care. During the second and third decades of life, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Completed suicides are three times more common in males than females; for suicide attempts, an inverse ratio can be found. Suicide attempts are up to 30 times more common compared to suicides; they are however important predictors of repeated attempts as well as completed suicides. Overall, suicide rates vary among the sexes and across lifetimes, whereas methods differ according to countries. The most commonly used methods are hanging, self-poisoning with pesticides, and use of firearms. The majority of suicides worldwide are related to psychiatric diseases. Among those, depression, substance use, and psychosis constitute the most relevant risk factors, but also anxiety, personality-, eating- and trauma-related disorders as well as organic mental disorders significantly add to unnatural causes of death compared to the general population. Overall, the matter at hand is relatively complex and a significant amount of underreporting is likely to be present. Nevertheless, suicides can, at least partially, be prevented by restricting access to means of suicide, by training primary care physicians and health workers to identify people at risk as well as to assess and manage respective crises, provide adequate follow-up care and address the way this is reported by the media. Suicidality represents a major societal and health care problem; it thus should be given a high priority in many realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Bachmann
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hauptstrasse 130, 9573 Littenheid, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University Halle (Saale), Julius-Kühn-Strasse 7, 6112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Koyama A, Hashimoto M, Fukuhara R, Ichimi N, Takasaki A, Matsushita M, Ishikawa T, Tanaka H, Miyagawa Y, Ikeda M. Caregiver Burden in Semantic Dementia with Right- and Left-Sided Predominant Cerebral Atrophy and in Behavioral-Variant Frontotemporal Dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2018; 8:128-137. [PMID: 29706989 PMCID: PMC5921212 DOI: 10.1159/000487851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregiver burden is a serious concern for family caregivers of dementia patients, but its nature is unclear in patients with semantic dementia (SD). This study aimed to clarify caregiver burden for right- (R > L) and left-sided (L > R) predominant SD versus behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) patients. Methods Using the Japanese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, we examined caregiver burden and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in 43 first-visit outpatient/family caregiver dyads (bvFTD, 20 dyads; SD [L > R], 13 dyads; SD [R > L], 10 dyads). Results We found a significant difference in ZBI score between the 3 diagnostic groups. Post hoc tests revealed a significantly higher ZBI score in the bvFTD than in the SD (L > R) group. The ZBI scores in the SD (L > R) and SD (R > L) groups were not significantly different, although the effect size was large. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with BPSD scores in all groups and was correlated with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living decline in the bvFTD and SD (R > L) groups. Conclusion Caregiver burden was highest in the bvFTD group, comparatively high in the SD (R > L) group, and lowest in the SD (L > R) group. Adequate support and intervention for caregivers should be tailored to differences in caregiver burden between these patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Koyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mamoru Hashimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryuji Fukuhara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoko Ichimi
- Department of Medical Quality and Safety Management, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Takasaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masateru Matsushita
- Center for Medical Education and Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Ishikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hibiki Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyagawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Suicide and assisted dying in dementia: what we know and what we need to know. A narrative literature review. Int Psychogeriatr 2017; 29:1247-1259. [PMID: 28462742 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610217000679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based data on prevalence and risk factors of suicidal intentions and behavior in dementia are as scarce as the data on assisted dying. The present literature review aimed on summarizing the current knowledge and provides a critical discussion of the results. METHODS A systematic narrative literature review was performed using Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PSYNDEX, PSYCINFO, Sowiport, and Social Sciences Citation Index literature. RESULTS Dementia as a whole does not appear to be a risk factor for suicide completion. Nonetheless some subgroups of patients with dementia apparently have an increased risk for suicidal behavior, such as patients with psychiatric comorbidities (particularly depression) and of younger age. Furthermore, a recent diagnosis of dementia, semantic dementia, and previous suicide attempts most probably elevate the risk for suicidal intentions and behavior. The impact of other potential risk factors, such as patient's cognitive impairment profile, behavioral disturbances, social isolation, or a biomarker based presymptomatic diagnosis has not yet been investigated. Assisted dying in dementia is rare but numbers seem to increase in regions where it is legally permitted. CONCLUSION Most studies that had investigated the prevalence and risk factors for suicide in dementia had significant methodological limitations. Large prospective studies need to be conducted in order to evaluate risk factors for suicide and assisted suicide in patients with dementia and persons with very early or presymptomatic diagnoses of dementia. In clinical practice, known risk factors for suicide should be assessed in a standardized way so that appropriate action can be taken when necessary.
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Tu YA, Chen MH, Tsai CF, Su TP, Bai YM, Li CT, Lin WC, Liu ME, Pan TL, Chen TJ, Tsai SJ. Geriatric Suicide Attempt and Risk of Subsequent Dementia: A Nationwide Longitudinal Follow-up Study in Taiwan. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2016; 24:1211-1218. [PMID: 27745821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It was unclear whether older people without dementia who attempted suicide were at increased risk of subsequently developing dementia. METHODS Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 1,189 patients aged ≥ 65 years who attempted suicide and 4,756 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled in our study and followed to the end of 2011. Those who developed dementia during the follow-up were identified. RESULTS Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for demographic data and medical comorbidities, found that geriatric suicide attempt was associated with an increased risk of subsequent dementia (HR: 7.40; 95% CI: 6.11-8.97; Wald χ2 = 414.87, df = 1, p < 0.001). Both patients aged between 65 and 79 years (HR: 7.74; 95% CI: 6.17-9.71; Wald χ2 = 312.62, df = 1, p < 0.001) and patients aged ≥ 80 years (HR: 6.94; 95% CI: 4.73-10.17; Wald χ2 = 97.78, df = 1, p < 0.001) who attempted suicide had an increased risk of developing dementia in later life. CONCLUSION The elderly who attempted suicide were prone to developing dementia in later life, independent of depression and medical comorbidities. Further studies are necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms between geriatric suicide and dementia and whether the prompt intervention for geriatric suicide may reduce this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-An Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Fen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-En Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuang, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Suicide in the elderly is an underestimated and complex issue that has mainly been explored in sociological, clinical and psychological perspectives. Suicide in non-elderly adults has been associated with diverse neurobiological alterations that may shed light on future predictive markers and more efficient preventative interventions. The aim of this paper was to review studies specifically investigating the neurobiology of elderly suicidal behaviour. We performed a systematic English and French Medline and EMBASE search until 2013. Contrary to literature about the non-elderly, we found a paucity of studies investigating the biomarkers of suicidal risk in elderly adults. Main findings were found in the neurocognitive domain. Studies generally supported the existence of cognitive deficits, notably decision-making impairment and reduced cognitive inhibition, in patients with a history of suicidal act compared to patients without such history. However, replications are needed to confirm findings. Due to several limitations including the small number of available studies, frequent lack of replication and small sample size, no firm conclusions can be drawn. The authors encourage further investigations in this field as insight in the neurobiology of these complex behaviors may limit clichés about end of life and aging, as well as improve future prevention of suicide in the elderly.
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Chiong W, Wood KA, Beagle AJ, Hsu M, Kayser AS, Miller BL, Kramer JH. Neuroeconomic dissociation of semantic dementia and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. Brain 2015; 139:578-87. [PMID: 26667277 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric disorders are marked by abnormal behaviour and decision-making, but prevailing diagnostic criteria for such behaviours are typically qualitative and often ambiguous. Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (also called semantic dementia) are two clinical variants of frontotemporal dementia with overlapping but distinct anatomical substrates known to cause profound changes in decision-making. We investigated whether abnormal decision-making in these syndromes could be more precisely characterized in terms of dissociable abnormalities in patients' subjective evaluations of valence (positive versus negative outcome) and of time (present versus future outcome). We presented 28 patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, 14 patients with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, 25 patients with Alzheimer's disease (as disease controls), and 61 healthy older control subjects with experimental tasks assaying loss aversion and delay discounting. In general linear models controlling for age, gender, education and Mini-Mental State Examination score, patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia were less averse to losses than control subjects (P < 0.001), while patients with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia discounted delayed rewards more steeply than controls (P = 0.019). There was no relationship between loss aversion and delay discounting across the sample, nor in any of the subgroups. These findings suggest that abnormal behaviours in neurodegenerative disease may result from the disruption of either of two dissociable neural processes for evaluating the outcomes of action. More broadly, these findings suggest a role for computational methods to supplement traditional qualitative characterizations in the differential diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Chiong
- 1 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kristie A Wood
- 1 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alexander J Beagle
- 1 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ming Hsu
- 2 Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Andrew S Kayser
- 3 Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA 4 Division of Neurology, VA Northern California Health Care System, Martinez, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- 1 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- 1 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Kalapatapu RK, Delucchi KL, Wang S, Harbison JD, Nelson EE, Kramer JH. Substance use history in behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia versus primary progressive aphasia. J Addict Dis 2015; 35:36-41. [PMID: 26485480 PMCID: PMC4720534 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2015.1102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As older adults are prone to cognitive disorders, the interaction of the fields of substance use and misuse and cognitive neuroscience is an emerging area of research. Substance use has been reported in some subtypes of frontotemporal dementia, such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. However, characterization of substance use in other subtypes of frontotemporal dementia, such as primary progressive aphasia, is unknown. The objective of this baseline analysis was to explore whether any measures of substance use history differed significantly among behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (n = 842) and primary progressive aphasia (n = 526) in a large national dataset. The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set study is a national dataset that collects data on patients with various cognitive disorders and includes some questions on substance use. Each substance use variable was used as the outcome and the frontotemporal dementia subtype as the predictor. Total years smoked cigarettes, age when last smoked cigarettes, average number of packs/day smoked when participants smoked, and any recent, remote, or combined recent/remote history of alcohol abuse or drug abuse did not significantly differ between the behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia subtypes (all p-values > .001). A significantly greater percentage of participants smoked in the last 30 days in the behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia subtype (10.4%, n = 834) compared to the primary progressive aphasia subtype (3.3%, n = 517; p < .001). Clinical providers in both the dementia and substance use fields are encouraged to screen for and monitor substance use in all frontotemporal dementia subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj K. Kalapatapu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin L. Delucchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University, Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - John D. Harbison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily E. Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about suicide risk in people with dementia have been increasing in recent years along with a discourse about rational suicide and assisted suicide. METHODS A systematic narrative literature review of suicidal behavior and assisted suicide in persons with dementia. RESULTS Most studies that have examined the spectrum of suicidal ideation, attempted suicide and suicide in dementia have methodological limitations but the overall suicide risk does not appear to be increased. When suicidal behavior does occur, common themes include the presence of psychiatric comorbidity, mainly depression; occurrence early in the dementia course with preserved insight and capacity; and an increased risk in younger people. The emerging discourse on rational and assisted suicide has been spurred by early and pre-symptomatic diagnosis and poses a number of ethical challenges for clinicians including the role of proxy decision-makers. CONCLUSIONS Although dementia might not confer a significant overall risk for suicidal behavior, clinicians still need to consider the potential for suicide in vulnerable individuals particularly early in the dementia course.
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Koyama A, Fujise N, Matsushita M, Ishikawa T, Hashimoto M, Ikeda M. Suicidal ideation and related factors among dementia patients. J Affect Disord 2015; 178:66-70. [PMID: 25795538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is generally thought that people with dementia are not able to attempt suicide because of impaired executive function. Little research is available about suicidal ideation among dementia patients. The present study examines 1) the sociodemographic and clinical features of dementia patients with suicidal ideation and 2) the effect of suicidal ideation on caregiver burden. METHODS A total of 634 dementia outpatients and their family caregivers participated in this study. Comparisons of variables were made among three groups: patients with suicidal ideation, patients with depression without suicidal ideation, and patients with neither suicidal ideation nor depression. Data were collected between April 2007 and July 2013. RESULTS Suicidal ideation was seen in 64 patients (10.1%). Patients with suicidal ideation had a significantly higher rate of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (P<0.001). Caregivers of patients with suicidal ideation felt a higher caregiver burden, even after adjusting for BPSD score (P<0.01). LIMITATIONS Suicidal ideation was assessed by interview with caregivers, so we may have overlooked people who had suicidal ideation but did not express it to their caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Suicidal ideation among dementia patients should receive greater attention. Adequate assessment of suicidal ideation and psychological support for both patients with suicidal ideation and their caregivers are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Koyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Noboru Fujise
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masateru Matsushita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Ishikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mamoru Hashimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Abstract
Suicide in older adults is a significant clinical concern. In this review of recent findings, we concentrate on the role of emotions and cognition in suicide risk and behavior in older adults. We discuss the epidemiology of suicide in older adults, integrate recent findings on non-psychotic major depression, schizophrenia and suicidal ideation, explore the relationship of emotion regulation with suicide, present recent advances on suicide in demented patients, and describe the latest developments on cognition and decision processes in suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris N. Kiosses
- Associate Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21 Blomingdale Rd, White Plains, NY 10605, Phone: 914-997-4381,
| | - Katalin Szanto
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Phone: 412-586-9601,
| | - George S. Alexopoulos
- Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21 Bloomingdale Rd, White Plains, NY 10605, Phone: 914-997-5767,
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