Signs of Silent Suicide Among Depressed Hospitalized Geriatric Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The overall suicide rate increases both with age and illness. Older hospitalized persons may be most at risk for silent suicide. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether nurses noted the signs of silent suicide in the medical records of elderly depressed hospitalized patients. STUDY DESIGN: This exploratory study included a retrospective chart review of geriatric patients who were identified as clinically depressed. Review of the charts was limited to the nursing documentation to determine signs related to silent suicide, evidence of psychiatric medications used to intervene, and notation of psychiatric referrals. RESULTS: Fifty of 200 patients had Geriatric Depression Scale scores reflective of depression; 41 of the 50 charts of these patients were retrievable and reviewed. Of the six signs of silent suicide, most charts (82.9%) had nurses’ notations of five to six of the signs. Only two of these patients were referred for any psychiatric consultation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for more awareness of the signs of silent suicide among depressed hospitalized elders.