@article{ref1,
title="Clinical determinants and short-term prognosis of suicidal behaviours in Chinese older persons in Hong Kong",
journal="Hong Kong journal of psychiatry",
year="2007",
author="Wu, A.Y.K. and Chan, W.F.",
volume="17",
number="3",
pages="81-86",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1026-2121",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}