Planning of Suicide Attempts Among Depressed Inpatients Ages 50 and Over

Participants in this study were 117 inpatients ages 50 & over diagnosed with major depression. All had attempted suicide within 1 month of admission. The degree of planning prior to the attempt was quantified using Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified correlates of planning. As hypothesized, lower cognitive functioning was associated with lower levels of planning. Contrary to the hypothesis, impaired physical self-care was associated with lower, not higher, planning. Results pertaining to living alone were equivocal. (43 refs.)