Clinical Analysis of Attempted Suicide in the Elderly

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the high suicide rate among the elderly, there is a relative lack of information on the outcomes for elderly people who have attempt suicide. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 260 elderly suicide cases observed in the WonKwang University Hospital Emergency Center from January, 1997 to December, 2000. RESULTS: 1) The male-to-female ratio was 1.711. 2) The major cause of the attempt was chronic pain or disease. 3) Poisoning was the most common method of suicidal attempt. 4) The mortality rate was 23.1%. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain or disease in the elderly indicates the need for mental health services.