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Attempted suicide among the aged
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Elderly individuals with organic brain syndrome (OBS) have lower successful suicide rates. OBS impairs the coordination and planning necessary for successful suicide attempts in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- The rate of completed suicide is high among the elderly population.
- Conversely, the rate of attempted suicide is notably low in this demographic.
- Elderly suicide attempters exhibit higher rates of physical disorders, psychoses, and psychopathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of elderly suicide attempters.
- To explore the potential role of organic brain syndrome (OBS) in suicide attempts among the elderly.
- To understand factors influencing the success rate of suicide attempts in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of elderly suicide attempters.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics between attempters and the general elderly population.
- Assessment of the prevalence of organic brain syndrome (OBS) in elderly suicide attempters.
Main Results:
- Fifty percent of elderly suicide attempters presented with organic brain syndrome (OBS).
- In contrast, only 5-10% of the general population over 60 years old exhibited OBS.
- Elderly individuals with OBS were found to have a lower success rate in suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Organic brain syndrome (OBS) appears to be a significant factor in the low rate of successful suicide attempts among the elderly.
- OBS may interfere with critical functions such as coordination, planning, determination, and reality awareness, thereby reducing suicide attempt lethality.
- Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between OBS, mental health, and suicide outcomes in geriatric populations.