Indirect Self-Destructive Behavior Among the Elderly: a Review With Case Examples

This article discusses the overt suicide rates by age which are highest among the elderly. In addition to these direct & quick forms of suicide, the elderly also use covert, less obvious & slow methods of self-destruction. The scant literature on indirect self-destructive behavior (ISDB) among the aged is reviewed. Case examples illustrating ISDB are presented as are implications of such behavior by the aged.(CM)