Age-related patterns of factors associated with completed suicide in men with alcohol dependence

Seven factors associated with completed suicide among male alcoholics were investigated to determine if victims of differing ages would show different patterns of factors. Data on 56 male alcoholic suicide victims were collected post-mortem. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 21-34, 35-49, and > or = 50 years. Consistent with the hypotheses, unemployment and recent loss due to separation from a domestic partner were more likely with younger age, and serious medical problems and mood disorders were associated with increased age. There were no differences on other presumed risk factors among the age groups. Results suggest that factors associated with suicide may cluster in male alcoholics of differing ages, with implications for risk recognition and intervention.