This article discusses psychiatric emergencies in the geriatric population. Older adults are at greater risk for suicide than other age groups. When suicide risk is present, the authors assert aggressive assessment & intervention measures must be taken. The improved detection & treatment of depression by primary care providers is said to be a key target for preventing late-life suicide as the majority of older adults who die by suicide have seen a health care professional in the 30 days prior to their death. (38 refs.)