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Suicide attempts amongst elderly schizophrenia patients: a 10-year case-control study
Yoram Barak1, Chaim Y Knobler, Dov Aizenberg
1Psychogeriatric Department, Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 15 KKL Street, Bat-Yam 59100, Israel. mdybarak@netrvision.net.il
Schizophrenia Research
|September 18, 2004
Summary
Elderly schizophrenia patients have a low rate of suicide attempts (4.6%). This study found few risk factors, highlighting the need for more research on suicide in aging schizophrenia populations.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Schizophrenia Research
- Suicidology
Background:
- Suicide is a significant concern in elderly populations.
- Schizophrenia is associated with high rates of suicide attempts and deaths.
- Limited data exists on suicide attempts among elderly schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize elderly schizophrenia patients who attempted suicide (AS).
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of suicide attempts in older adults with schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year review of computerized admission records for schizophrenia patients aged 60 years and older.
- Index group: patients with documented suicide attempts.
- Comparison group: two subsequent schizophrenia admissions without prior suicide attempts.
Main Results:
- 1066 admissions were analyzed; 4.6% involved suicide attempts (49 attempts by 30 patients).
- Males were more prevalent in the suicide attempt group.
- No other tested variables were significantly associated with suicidality in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- This study uniquely focuses on elderly schizophrenia patients and suicide attempts.
- Identified risk factors for suicide attempts in this group were limited.
- Further research on aging schizophrenia patients is crucial due to the low base rate of suicide in this population.