Suicidal Attempts by Prescription Drug Overdose in the Elderly: a Study of 44 Cases

A series of 44 consecutive elderly Greek patients admitted to hospital after deliberate self-poisoning was reviewed for associated medical & psychosocial factors. In all but 3 cases, the overdose involved prescribed drugs. Women outnumbered men 2.7 to 1. There was a high proportion of chronic psychiatric & medical conditions. Chronic stress from physical illness, social isolation, or tacit family conflict was common & seemed instrumental in the attempt. Most attempts happened around the weekend & during winter. All but one of the patients recovered. Psychosocial & medical vulnerability, plus the availability of prescribed drugs, were the most important determinants of suicidal behaviour in this population. (19 refs.)