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Repetition of suicidal behaviour in elderly Europeans: a prospective longitudinal study
D De Leo1, W Padoani, J Lonnqvist
1Psychogeriatric Service, University of Padova c/o Ospedale Geriatrico, Via Vendramini 7, 35137, Padova, Italy.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|November 27, 2002
Summary
Elderly individuals who attempt suicide face a high risk of repeat attempts or completed suicide within one year. Childhood paternal loss and lower perceived social support are significant predictive factors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Elderly suicide attempters represent a vulnerable population with significant risks.
- Understanding predictive factors for repeat and completed suicide is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictive factors for repeated suicide attempts and completed suicides in elderly European individuals (60+ years).
- To analyze differences between repeaters, non-repeaters, and completed suicides in a 1-year follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year follow-up study of 63 elderly European suicide attempters (1990-1993).
- Data collected included demographics, childhood experiences, suicidal intent scores, and follow-up outcomes (repeat attempts, completed suicide).
Main Results:
- Eight subjects (12.7%) died by suicide, and seven (11.1%) repeated suicide attempts within 1 year.
- Repeaters and non-repeaters differed in childhood paternal loss and suicidal intent scores.
- Completed suicides and non-repeaters differed regarding childhood paternal loss and General Practitioner contact frequency.
- Repeaters reported greater desire to re-attempt and poorer perceived mental health and social support.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a high risk of suicidal behavior repetition in the elderly.
- Childhood paternal loss emerged as a notable factor associated with repeat attempts and completed suicide.
- Elderly individuals often experience prolonged suicidal ideation and seek help from family and General Practitioners.