Attempted Suicide in the Elderly: Characteristics of Suicide Attempters 70 Years and Older and a General Population Comparison Group

Social, psychological, & psychiatric characteristics were compared in Swedish suicide attempters, 70 years & older, & a representative population sample. 103 of 140 individuals who had sought hospital treatment after a suicide attempt participated & were compared with gender & age-matched subjects. Factors associated with attempted suicide included being unmarried, living alone, low education level, history of psychiatric treatment, & previous suicide attempt. There was no association with dementia. Odds ratios were increased for both major & minor depressions. An association was observed between perceived loneliness & attempted suicide, independent of depression. Observed associations mirrored those previously shown for completed suicide. (42 refs.) JA