Citation

Heisel MJ. Can. J. Psychiatry 2006; 51(3): 143-154.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London. Marnin.Heisel@lhsc.on.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16618005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the research on the epidemiology, risk and resiliency, assessment, treatment, and prevention of late-life suicide. METHOD: I reviewed mortality statistics. I searched MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases for research on suicide risk and resiliency and for randomized controlled trials with suicidal outcomes. I also reviewed mental health outreach and suicide prevention initiatives. RESULTS: Approximately 12/100,000 individuals aged 65 years or over die by suicide in Canada annually. Suicide is most prevalent among older white men; risk is associated with suicidal ideation or behaviour, mental illness, personality vulnerability, medical illness, losses and poor social supports, functional impairment, and low resiliency. Novel measures to assess late-life suicide features are under development. Few randomized treatment trials exist with at-risk older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Research is needed on risk and resiliency and clinical assessment and interventions for at-risk older adults. Collaborative outreach strategies might aid suicide prevention.

Language: en