The Global Problem of Geriatric Suicide

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Table of Contents

Overview
Causes
Treatment Guidelines
Recommendations
References

Overview

The concern for an adult’s mental health in regards to suicide should begin at the age of 60, as at this period the issue is the most prevalent. Additionally, Shaha, Bhatb, Zarate-Escuderoc, DeLeo, and Erlangsen (2016), conducted a study to determine suicide rates for adults aged from 60 to 99 years old. They concluded that for men, the risk increases in each five-year period until they are 95 years old. For women, the risk increases until they turn 85 years old. The study implies that both groups are in danger; however, men retain suicidal tendencies for more extended periods of time. According to Stanley, Hom, Rogers, Hagan, and Joiner (2016), suicide among seniors has had a higher rate when compared to other groups of people globally. Thus, the problem exists not only in the U.S. but also around the world; therefore, systemic reasons should be reviewed to understand the causes of it. Additionally, “In the United States, specifically, nearly 10,000 older adults, aged 60 years and older, die by suicide annually” (Stanley et al., 2016, p. 116). Furthermore, the authors state that for each of these deaths, another four adults attempt to commit suicide. Thus, the issue is of a large scale and it is prevalent in the geriatric population.

Causes

In general, factors that contribute to the problem are varied and complex; however, some patterns help understand suicide among elderly populations. Stanley et al. (2016) state that mental or physical illnesses, poor quality of sleep, and lack of social connections contribute significantly to the prospect. Examining the psychiatric state of an older adult is essential. However, when considering other factors, a more inclusive approach is necessary. Social connections and family support are crucial in mitigating risks of suicidal intentions for the geriatric population. Durkheim’s theory emphasizes the importance of the social environment and interpersonal interactions for people who attempt suicide (Stanley et al., 2016). The amount of negative thoughts and a fatalistic view of life that a senior has is a risk factor as well. The implication corresponds to both hopelessness and escape theories that were proven to correlate with suicide outcomes (Stanley et al., 2016). Therefore, the primary causes are the lack of social interactions and negative thoughts that a person may have.

Treatment Guidelines

Preventing suicide in an old population is a difficult task, as many interventions were proven to be ineffective. According to Heisel, Talbot, King, Tu, and Duberstein (2015) “the promotion and strengthening of social connectedness” is a recommended strategy to combat the issue (p. 87). The authors offered companions to seniors who lack social connections and found that the approach helps prevent suicide attempts. Additionally, Van Orden et al. (2013) proposed the strategy of Interpersonal Psychotherapy to address geriatric suicide. After the intervention, participants admitted to having a better mental health state and a smaller number of thoughts regarding death. Although both studies were conducted on a small sample size, they provide an implication that treatment can be provided through psychotherapy and increased interpersonal communications.

Recommendations

Thus, the recommendation for combating geriatric suicide is increasing support from social circles, including family. Additionally, an intervention from a therapist addressing one’s mental health state can help overcome negative thoughts. Other aspects of elderly health should be included in the prevention treatment, such as enhancement of sleep quality and the general physical health state. The presented intervention is unique to the chosen population as the studies were performed in a geriatric care setting.

References

Heisel, M. J., Talbot, N. L., King, D. A., Tu, X. M., & Duberstein, P. R. (2015). Adapting interpersonal psychotherapy for older adults at risk for suicide. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(1), 87–98. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2014.03.010

Shaha, A., Bhatb, R., Zarate-Escuderoc, S., DeLeo, D., & Erlangsen, A. (2016). Suicide rates in five-year age-bands after the age of 60 years: The international landscape. Aging & Mental Health, 20(2), 131-138. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1055552

Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Rogers, M. L., Hagan, C. R., & Joiner, T. E. (2016). Understanding suicide among older adults: A review of psychological and sociological theories of suicide. Aging & Mental Health, 20(2), 113-122. doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1012045

Van Orden, K. A., Stone, D. M., Rowe, J., McIntosh, W. L., Podgorski, C., & Conwell, Y. (2013). The senior connection: Design and rationale of a randomized trial of peer companionship to reduce suicide risk in later life. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 35(1), 117–126. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2013.03.003

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The Global Problem of Geriatric Suicide

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