SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR IN THE ELDERLY

In a retrospective study of 69 elderly (65 years and over) cases of at tempted suicide (deliberate self-harm) referred for psychiatric assess ment in southern Sydney, 81% took overdoses, 64% involving benzodiazep ines. Depressive illness was present in 87% of cases, alcohol/substanc e abuse in 32%, organic brain syndromes in 29% and personality dysfunc tion in 26%. Multiple psychosocial, psychological, medical and psychia tric risk factors for suicide were identified. 'Major' functional psyc hiatric disorders (41%) were found predominantly in females and were a ssociated with higher levels of suicidal intent, psychosis and fewer c hronic physical illnesses. 'Minor' functional disorders (30%) were ass ociated with lower degrees of suicidal intent, personality dysfunction and higher numbers of psychosocial stressors. Organic brain syndromes were associated with males over 75 years, chronic physical illness, a nd were often comorbid with depression. These findings indicate that t here are several patterns of suicidal behaviour in the elderly that re quire further prospective research.