Suicide attempts by the old and the very old

Article Abstract:

Eleven percent of the population of the United States is over 65 years old, and this segment of the population accounts for a much larger proportion of suicides than would be expected from the number of people in this age group. Elderly white men are more likely to commit suicide than any other group, and the rate increases dramatically for each decade after age 60. The elderly who commit suicide are more likely to have significant medical problems, to live alone, to face loss of independence, or to have suffered an irreversible loss, such as the death of a spouse. Not included in the suicide figures are ''passive'' or ''disguised'' suicides caused by discontinuation of medication or food, or by other means. The elderly are more likely to have thought about suicide before attempting it, and to be successful at it. Failure to die after a suicide attempt is often caused by impaired judgment or dexterity, or bad timing. The methods used, most often firearms, are most likely to be lethal. ''Suicide gestures,'' common among young people, are rare among the elderly. Ninety-five people between the ages of 60 and 90 who survived suicide attempts were evaluated by a psychiatrist. The subjects tended to be male, to live alone, to have a history of mental illness, and to say that poor health led to the attempt, which was planned in advance. Because most elderly people who commit suicide plan the event for one to two months before taking action, and during this time 75 percent visit their physicians, this is viewed as an opportunity for intervention. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged men, Elderly men

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Elderly suicide

Article Abstract:

Elderly people who attempt suicide are more likely to be successful than those in other age groups. Factors that influence suicide among the elderly include serotonin effects, cohort effects, gender, marital status, race, depression, previous suicide attempt, and presence of organic brain dysfunction. Most elderly suicides are preventable, by measures such as offering suicide prevention services and support groups; meeting basic physical, emotional, and social needs; and using antidepressant medication.

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Anorexia and Bulimia in Girls and Young Women

Article Abstract:

Issues discussed concern the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia in girls and young women. Topics addressed include predisposing factors, biological and psychological influences, nutritional assessment, medical recommendations and behavioral therapy.

United States, Health aspects, Care and treatment, Statistical Data Included, Research, Eating disorders, Bulimia, Young women, Eating disorders in children, Childhood eating disorders, Anorexia nervosa

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