Psychiatric Management of the Suicidal Elderly (IN: Now I lay me Down: Suicide in the Elderly, edited by D Lester & M Tallmer)

This chapter discusses recognition of the suicidal elderly person & specific risk factors including a previous suicide attempt, family history of suicide, bereavement, alcoholism, physical illness, personality disorders, depressive illnesses, schizophrenia, dementia, hopelessness, & biological factors. Antidepressant drugs & electroconvulsive therapy are discussed as possible means of managing the suicidal elderly person. 5 case profiles are presented. (50 Refs.)