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Mental disorders in elderly suicide

M M Henriksson1, M J Marttunen, E T Isometsä

  • 1National Public Health Institute, Department of Mental Health, Helsinki, Finland.

International Psychogeriatrics
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
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Elderly suicide victims frequently have mental disorders, particularly major depression. Most elderly suicides involved diagnosable mental health conditions, with fewer cases of somatopsychiatric comorbidity.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Suicidology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mental disorders are a significant factor in suicide across age groups.
  • Understanding the specific mental health profiles of elderly suicide victims is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and comorbidity of current mental disorders (DSM-III-R) in elderly suicide victims.
  • To compare the mental disorder profiles of elderly suicide victims with those of younger victims.

Main Methods:

  • A psychological autopsy method was employed to gather comprehensive data on suicides in Finland over one year.
  • Retrospective Axis I-III consensus diagnoses were assigned to a random sample of elderly (≥60 years) and younger (<60 years) suicide victims.

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Main Results:

  • A high prevalence (91%) of Axis I mental disorders was found among elderly suicide victims.
  • Major depression was the most common principal diagnosis, especially in elderly females.
  • Psychiatric comorbidity was more prevalent in elderly males than females.
  • A significant majority of elderly victims (88%) received Axis III diagnoses, compared to younger victims (36%).

Conclusions:

  • Mental disorders are highly prevalent in elderly suicide victims, with major depression being a key diagnosis.
  • Suicide in the elderly without a diagnosable mental disorder and somatopsychiatric comorbidity appears to be rare.
  • Findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in elderly suicide prevention.