[Suicide attempts by self-poisoning among the elderly]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Suicidological problems in the elderly represent a significant public health concern.
• Older adults face unique challenges including social isolation, widowhood, and chronic somatic diseases.
• Previous psychiatric treatment or hospitalization is common among elderly individuals attempting suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the suicidological issues and associated factors in elderly individuals.
• To analyze demographic and clinical data of patients aged 65 and above treated for self-intoxication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical documentation for 68 patients (aged 65+) hospitalized for self-intoxication between 1999-2001.
• Assessment of demographic factors, clinical history, somatic diseases, psychiatric diagnoses, and substances used in attempts.
• Evaluation of consciousness state, intoxication degree, and hospitalization duration.

Main Results:

• The study population (mean age 72.6) comprised mostly retired individuals living alone, with a high prevalence of depression (73.9%) and organic brain disorders (64.7%).
• Commonly used substances included psychotropic, cardiological, and mixed-type drugs. Hypertension and coronary artery disease were the most frequent somatic conditions.
• A significant proportion had prior psychiatric treatment, and 20.3% had a history of repeated suicide attempts.

Conclusions:

• A strong correlation exists between depression, social factors, and suicide attempts in the elderly population.
• Effective management of depression and addressing social determinants are paramount for suicide prevention strategies in older adults.
• Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are essential for this vulnerable demographic.