Citation

Wu AYK, Chan WF. Hong Kong J. Psychiatry 2007; 17(3): 81-86.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics and outcome of Hong Kong Chinese elderly persons who attempted suicide. Participants and Methods: Thirty seven Chinese elders with suicidal ideas were evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS: There was a slight female predominance (1.2:1). Approximately 70% of patients had experienced stressful life events. Logistic regression showed that in these elders, medical burden was a significant predictor of suicidal attempts. Experiencing a stressful life event and severity of depression were significant determinants of the severity of suicidal ideation; 97% (n = 36) presented with depressive disorders. During the follow-up period, mortality was 5% (n = 2), the default rate was 8% (n = 3), and 3% (n = 1) attempted suicide. Suicidal ideation, severity of depression, and anxiety improved with treatment over 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of elderly suicidal patients had depressive disorders. While the medical burden may be a modifiable risk factor, elderly with depression and stressful life events should be identified early for closer surveillance. © 2007 Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists.

Language: en

Keywords

Aged; human; Depression; female; male; Hong Kong; prognosis; aged; Risk factor; suicidal ideation; depression; Prognosis; suicidal behavior; risk assessment; disease severity; life expectancy; risk factor; article; controlled study; life event; clinical article; elderly care; clinical feature; mental health service; disease course; social aspect; follow up; demography; Suicide, attempted; Chinese; mini mental state examination; family relation; outcome assessment; personal experience