Attempted Suicide in Older Depressed Patients: Effect of Cognitive Functioning

Cognitive functioning & suicidal behaviour in older depressed patients was explored. 103 inpatients age 50 years or older with major depression, 45 of whom had attempted suicide, were evaluated within 1 week of their hospital admission. The Mini-Mental State Exam score was not associated with suicide attempter status, but for attempters, the Mini-Mental State Exam score showed a positive association with Suicide Intent Scale scores, but not method or lethality. Findings suggest that although cognitive disturbance may be associated with less-deliberate acts among older depressed suicide attempters, it does not appear to influence the potential lethality of their behaviour. (23 refs.)