Citation

Draper B. Int. J. Geriatr. Psychiatry 1994; 9(8): 655-661.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/gps.930090810

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In a retrospective study of 69 elderly (65 years and over) cases of attempted suicide (deliberate self‐harm) referred for psychiatric assessment in southern Sydney, 81% of took overdoses, 64% involving benzodiazepines. Depressive illness was present in 87% of cases, alcohol/substance abuse in 32%, organic syndromes in 29% and personality dysfunction in 26%. Multiple psychosocial, psychological, medical and psychiatric risk factors for suicide were identified. 'Major' functional psychiatric disorders (41%) were found predominantly in females and were associated with higher levels of suicidal intent, psychosis and fewer chronic physical illnesses. 'Minor' functional disorders (30%) were associated with lower degrees of suicidal intent, personality dysfunction and higher numbers of psychosocial stressors. Organic brain syndromes were associated with males over 75 years, chronic physical illness, and were often comorbid with depression. These findings indicate that there are several patterns of suicidal behaviour in the elderly that require further prospective research. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

human; female; male; risk factors; elderly; aged; australia; depression; sex difference; psychosis; suicide attempt; drug overdose; Attempted suicide; risk factor; morbidity; substance abuse; alcohol abuse; article; major clinical study; mental disease; personality disorder; retrospective study; behavior; psychologic assessment; social psychology; physical disease; functional disease; benzodiazepine derivative; organic brain syndrome