Suicide in the Elderly

Suicide completion by a person age 65 or over
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Research has identified the most common mental health factors associated with suicide in the elderly (Table) (4, 6).
Mental health risk factors for suicide in the elderly * Presence of a mood disorder , such as depression * History of attempts * Suicide ideation * Greater severity of symptoms * Hypersomnia ([greater than or equal to] 9 hours per night) * Hopelessness * Comorbid anxiety and panic * Personality disorders (more neurotic and less open) * Possibly, substance use disorders * * The findings on the role of substance use disorders were inconsistent among the elderly, but substance abuse was clearly a factor in younger adults.
Depression is often the underlying cause of suicide in the elderly.
Because of the significant triple threat of substance abuse, depression, and suicide in the elderly, negotiators must consider these factors in planning a negotiation strategy.
However, this study found that cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders were not significant risk factors for suicide in the elderly.
Sexual dysfunction and alcoholism are other factors that may contribute to suicide in the elderly.
In addition, depression may create an even greater risk of suicide in the elderly than in younger individuals.
The conference will include workshops on the following subjects: Substance Abuse, Suicide in Adolescents, Suicide in the Elderly and Current Suicide Research.