The Elderly and Suicide (IN: Suicide – an Unnecessary Death, edited by D Wasserman)

This chapter opens with a discussion of the epidemiology & special characteristics of suicidal behaviour in the elderly. Fatal suicidal behaviour & non-fatal suicidal behaviour are reviewed separately. Next, high risk factors for suicide among elderly persons are described including psychopathology, physical illness, life conditions & events, & biological factors. Strategies are presented for primary, secondary, & tertiary prevention. The case of a 77-year-old male is used as illustration. (25 refs.)