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Suicide in Older Persons
Suicide increases with age and is most common in persons aged 65 years and older. That age group accounts for 18% of all suicides in the United States. As is true for younger individuals, the main factor that can lead to suicide in older persons is major depression, a medical illness to be distinguished from normal feelings of sadness and grief after a loss, such as the death of a relative or friend. Older persons are more likely to be socially isolated and have more physical illnesses than younger people. They are also more likely to use highly lethal methods of suicide, such as firearms.
The March 3, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article about an intervention program to prevent suicide in depressed elderly patients.
SYMPTOMS OF MAJOR DEPRESSION
Having at least 5 of these symptoms occurring nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:
- Feeling sad, down, or empty
- Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
- Appetite change with weight loss or gain
- Sleeping more or less than normally
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Being either slowed down or restless and irritable
- Feeling that life is not worth living, or thoughts of death or suicide
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE IN OLDER PERSONS
- Heavy alcohol use
- Presence of mental disorders in addition to depression
- Presence of a serious physical illness
- Social isolation, particularly after the death of a spouse or close friend
- Access to firearms
PREVENTING SUICIDE
Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy) are very helpful in treating depression in older persons and can prevent suicide. If you or a loved one has symptoms of depression, see a doctor for an evaluation. Depression is an illness that should be treated, not a sign of weakness or of aging.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and other JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on psychiatric illness in older adults was published in the June 7, 2000, issue; one on adolescent suicide was published in
the December 26, 2001, issue; and
one on depression was published in
the June 18, 2003, issue.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, National Institute of Mental Health, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations
appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: MENTAL ILLNESSES
Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2004;291:1158.
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RELATED ARTICLE
Reducing Suicidal Ideation and Depressive Symptoms in Depressed Older Primary Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Martha L. Bruce, Thomas R. Ten Have, Charles F. Reynolds, III, Ira I. Katz, Herbert C. Schulberg, Benoit H. Mulsant, Gregory K. Brown, Gail J. McAvay, Jane L. Pearson, and George S. Alexopoulos
JAMA. 2004;291(9):1081-1091.
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