Late-life self-harm in the Waikato region

Late-life suicide is a growing public health concern in New Zealand. Given that suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide, the aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of older people (aged≥65) who presented to the Waikato Hospital Emergency Department following an episode of self-harm between 1 July, 2010, and 30 June, 2013.

Existing hospital databases and clinical recording systems for medical and psychiatric records were used to identify the sample. Data was collected retrospectively.

Of the 52 cases of elderly self-harm, 63.5% were classified as suicide attempt; 19.2% were self-injurious behaviour with no suicide intent; and 17.3% were self-injurious behaviour where the suicide intent was unknown. Overdose was the most common method (65.4%). 61.5% of the cases reported perceived physical illness as a stressor; while 50% were diagnosed with depression. 13.7% had repeated self-harm in the following 12 months.

This study has highlighted the role of physical illness and depression in older people presenting with self-harm. Routine screening of depression in older people with chronic medical conditions and assertive treatment of depression in primary care should be considered as strategies to reduce self-harm and suicide in older people.