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On the distinction of suicide ideation versus attempt in elderly psychiatric inpatients
The Gerontologist
|June 1, 1994
Abstract:
A study of selected elderly psychiatric inpatients admitted for depression suggests that suicidal ideation may initiate a process of smoldering when the patient, family, and professionals interact in such a way as to dampen apparent distress. Suicidal thoughts and mood may be masked by affective or cognitive constriction, camouflaged by anxiety and external agitation, and "tranquilized" by anti-anxiety agents. Depression may go undetected. Distinguishing factors between attempters and ideators are presented.