Epidemiology and risk factors for suicide in the elderly: 10-year update

Abstract

The problem of suicide in late life is often neglected by medical professionals, policy makers and the general public. It exposes societal assumptions about old age as a period of inevitable despondency and hopelessness in the face of losses and physical disability. However, current clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that, while these factors do play a role, severe and recurrent mood disorders represent the most important etiology, one that can be identified and treated. This review appraises data, accumulated in the last 10 years on the prevalence of suicide and factors that make the elderly more vulnerable. The authors consider implications for future research and clinical assessment of suicidal patients.