Clinical Analysis of Attempted Suicide in the Elderly.
- Author:
Jae Hwang PARK
1
;
Yong Hwan NO
;
Dai Han WI
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Wonkwang University, School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea. jhp@wonnms.wonkwang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Suicide attempts;
Elderly
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Chronic Pain;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Mental Health Services;
Mortality;
Poisoning;
Retrospective Studies;
Suicide;
Suicide, Attempted*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2001;12(2):135-142
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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 1.71:1. 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.
