A Comparative Study of Attempted Suicide in Adolescent, Adult, and Elderly Population

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The risk factors of attempted suicide vary among different age groups and it varies very much between theadolescent and elderly population. Hence, identifying the suicide risk factors for each population will help in the developmentof suitable prevention strategies for each age group.Aim: This study aims to analyze the differences in sociodemographic data and risk factors involved in adolescent, adult, andgeriatric group.Materials and Methods: Across-sectional analytical study with 90 patients (30 adolescents, 30 adults, and 30 geriatric patientsafter a h/o attempted suicide) was taken. The duration of the study was 3 months (January–March 2018). Sociodemographicdata, details of the suicide attempt, the precipitating stressors, and risk factors were analyzed by a semi-structured pro forma.The intent of the suicide attempt was analyzed by Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale. The lethality of the attempt was analyzed byRisk-Rescue Rating Scale (Weismann and Worden, 1972). Psychiatric morbidity was found out from MINI plus and ICD 10criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis. All the data obtained are analyzed statistically.Results: This study helps us understand that suicide attempts are different in different age groups. In the younger group, thepsychosocial stressors and the support available for handling them determine the attempts. In adults, the major problem wasmarital conflict and substance dependence and the prevention strategies should be directed toward it. Most of the geriatricsuicides were planned not impulsive and they had a comorbid psychiatric illness. This stresses the importance of screening ofmental illness in the elderly and adequate treatment of physical comorbidity as well.Conclusion: This study finds that multiple factors warrant a broadly directed multimodal approach for intervention and the needfor a tailored approach for each population.