Suicide by Overdoses of Medicines Among the Aged†

Abstract

The current literature on suicide by medicinal overdose among the elderly population of the United States and Britain is discussed. The older white male is a high risk in this regard. Physical and mental illnesses contribute to the problem of suicide among the aged, and some of the drugs prescribed for treatment (e.g., barbiturates and psychotherapeutic agents) are often accessible to the older person for misuse in suicide. The responsibilities of the prescribing physician and the practices of the dispensing pharmacist are considered in relation to the exposure of the elderly patient to potentially lethal drugs. Prediction of suicidal attitudes in the elderly is complicated by the fact that any attempt at suicide usually is serious and rarely preceded by gestures. Depression, based on social factors, is common among older people. Some of them face problems of declining income and prestige, as well as a loss of physical and mental powers. A change in the attitude of society towards the elderly may help to alleviate the depressive state which so often contributes to the suicidal potential.

Assessment and management of self‐harm in older adults attending accident and emergency: a comparative cross‐sectional study

“…The risk of suicide following non-fatal self-harm has been shown to be greater in older than in younger adults (Gardner et al, 1964;Dorpat and Ripley, 1967;Burston, 1969;Benson and Brodie, 1975;Lonnqvist and Achte, 1985;Hawton and Fagg, 1990;Merrill and Owens, 1990;Frierson, 1991;Nowers, 1993;Draper, 1994;Hepple and Quinton, 1997;Dennis and Lindesay, 1995), although recent increases in suicides among young males may point, these days, to especially high levels in young men-only emerging since these published studies were undertaken. The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists has made its policy clear: that 'it should be usual to refer patients aged over 65 years to the specialist service as a matter of routine' (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994).…”

“…However, when self-harm does occur in older people, the risk of subsequent suicide is greater than that in younger patients (Gardner et al, 1964;Dorpat and Ripley, 1967;Burston, 1969;Benson and Brodie, 1975;Lonnqvist and Achte, 1985;Hawton and Fagg, 1990;Merrill and Owens, 1990;Frierson, 1991;Nowers, 1993;Draper, 1994;Hepple and Quinton, 1997;Dennis and Lindesay, 1995).…”

Learned Helplessness and Substance Abuse in the Elderly

“…So viewed, several studies have documented the role of drug overdoses in suicide attempts by the elderly (Benson & Brodie 1975;Petersen & Thomas 1975). I t is often assumed that drug overdoses represent mental confusion on the part of the elderly drug taker.…”

Examining suicide from a life span perspective

“…Widowhood, a major source of social isolation among the elderly, has been shown to increase the likelihood of suicide among this age group (86)(87)(88). Retirement and the concomitant reduction in activity and financial loss appears to be a special risk factor for elderly men (43, 86,[89][90][91]. Many elderly people must cope with a rapid succession of losses, which does not allow sufficient time for resolution of the grief inherent in each loss.…”