Health status and suicide in the second half of life

Yeates Conwell, Paul R. Duberstein, Jameson K. Hirsch, Kenneth R. Conner, Shirley Eberly, Eric D. Caine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To examine the associations of suicide in the second half of life with medical and psychiatric illness, functional limitations, and reported use of inpatient, ambulatory, and home health care services. Method:A retrospective case-control design was used to compare 86 people over age 50 years who died by suicide with a comparison group of 86 living community participants that were individually matched on age, gender, race, and county of residence. Results: Suicide decedents had more Axis I diagnoses, including current mood and anxiety disorders, worse physical health status, and greater impairment in functional capacity. They were more likely to have required psychiatric treatment, medical, or surgical hospitalization in the last year, and visiting nurse or home health aide services. In a multivariate model, the presence of any active Axis I disorder and any impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) made independent contributions to suicide risk. Conclusions: Mental illness, physical illness, and associated functional impairments represent domains of risk for suicide in this age group. In addition to individuals with psychiatric illness, those with severe or comorbid physical illness and functional disability who require inpatient and home care services should be targeted for screening and preventive interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)371-379
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Functional impairment
  • Primary care
  • Service utilization
  • Suicide

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