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Active and Passive Suicidal Ideation in Older Prisoners
Lisa C Barry1, Dorothy B Wakefield2, Robert L Trestman3
11 University of Connecticut Health Center, UConn Center on Aging, Farmington, CT, USA.
Crisis
|November 18, 2015
Summary
Passive suicidal ideation (PSI) and active suicidal ideation (ASI) in older prisoners are similarly linked to suicide risk markers. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing PSI in older incarcerated individuals for suicide prevention.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Older prisoners represent a rapidly growing demographic with elevated suicide rates.
- There is a critical need for evidence-based strategies for early risk detection and suicide prevention in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of active suicidal ideation (ASI) and passive suicidal ideation (PSI) in older prisoners.
- To identify factors associated with ASI and PSI.
- To examine the relationship between ASI, PSI, depression, and lifetime suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- Interviews were conducted with 124 prisoners aged 50 years and older.
- Assessment included ASI, PSI, major depressive episode (MDE), lifetime suicide attempt, and participant characteristics.
- Participants were categorized into: no SI, PSI only, or ASI groups.
Main Results:
- Past alcohol dependence and fair/poor self-rated health were associated with suicidal ideation (SI).
- Older prisoners with PSI (10%) and ASI (11%) were more likely to report a lifetime suicide attempt and/or MDE compared to those with no SI.
- No significant difference in the likelihood of MDE or suicide attempt was found between ASI and PSI groups.
Conclusions:
- Both PSI and ASI in older prisoners may be similarly associated with indicators of subsequent suicide risk.
- Passive suicidal ideation should not be disregarded and can signify elevated suicide risk in this population.