Psychiatric Disorders (IN: Aging and Mental Health: Positive Psychosocial and Biomedical Approaches (4th Edition), by R N Butler, M I Lewis & T Sunderland)

This chapter reviews psychiatric symptoms & disorders which may be seen in elderly patients. The section on suicide in old age provides brief epidemiological information. Some of the reasons why the elderly may commit suicide are outlined, e.g. loss or social isolation. Other topics which are discussed are: rational suicide; the relationship of depression & suicide; methods of suicide, including subintentioned death where, for example, the patient does not eat; & prevention strategies.