Citation

Rifai AH, George CJ, Stack JA, Mann JJ, Reynolds CF. Am. J. Psychiatry 1994; 151(11): 1687-1690.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/ajp.151.11.1687

PMID

7943461

Abstract

The relation between hopelessness and suicide attempts in the elderly was examined by studying the course of hopelessness in depressed patients. Sixty-three elderly patients with recurrent major depression were treated with nortriptyline and interpersonal psychotherapy and underwent serial ratings of hopelessness and depression during the acute and continuation phases of treatment. Patients who had made a suicide attempt in the past had significantly higher hopelessness scores than nonattempters during both phases of treatment. They were also more likely to drop out of treatment. A high degree of hopelessness persisting after remission of depression in elderly patients appears to be associated with a history of suicidal behavior. It may also increase the likelihood of premature discontinuation of treatment and lead to future suicide attempts or suicide.

Language: en

Keywords

Age Factors; Aged; Depressive Disorder; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nortriptyline; Patient Dropouts; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotherapy; Recurrence; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted