Age Differences in Patterns of Attempted Suicide

Abstract

The suicidal attempts of persons of different ages were examined and a number of differences found. Older suicidal persons were less likely to be black, less likely to have made previous suicidal attempts and threats, and more intent on dying (though they did not make more lethal attempts). The older suicidal persons abused alcohol more while the younger suicidal persons abused other drugs more. In common with nonsuicidal older persons, the suicidal older persons were in poorer physical health and more often lived alone. Psychological variables such as depression and hopelessness and the severity of psychiatic disturbance did not change significantly with the age of the suicidal persons.