Noncompliance in the elderly: a pathway to suicide

Current suicide statistics only represent a portion of suicides committed by the elderly. Indirect self-destructive behaviors (ISDBs) cause many more deaths than direct methods yet they often are ignored, misinterpreted, or unidentified. Medical noncompliance is identified as a form of ISDB, leading to diminished quality of life and an expedited death. While noncompliance occurs for a variety of reasons, it is a form of self-destruction for a portion of the elderly population. The nurse practitioner is in a unique role to identify ISDBs, as well as risk factors for developing these behaviors, and to construct methods for intervening and supporting those who wish to continue life.