Year: 1995 Source: International Psychogeriatrics, v.7, no.2, (1995), p.149-164 SIEC No: 19980760

Using the psychological autopsy method, the distribution of psychiatric diagnoses in samples of adolescents, young adults, & elders who have committed suicide, & in victims in community-based populations were established. Comparison by age within & between studies further suggests that depressive illness is more common & substance abuse less prevalent in later-life victims. That the aging process itself may account for the observed pattern has important implications for research & intervention.