Proper diagnosis

People over 65 have higher suicide rates than any other age group and suicide has been linked to depression in 50 percent of cases. In the year 2000, the older adult suicide rate (per 100,000) was 13.0 for people age 60-64, 12.1 for people age 65-74 and 18.2 for those 75 and older in Texas. Suicide is rarely an impulsive act and can be prevented. Risk factors of suicide include: frequent talk of death; recent loss of a relative, job, or self-esteem; reduced interest in family and friends; changes in sleep and appetite; and expressions of worthlessness or self-hatred. Research has discovered that many older adults who commit suicide have actually visited a primary care physician in the weeks before the act-20 percent on the same day, 40 percent within a week, and 70 percent within a month. Thus, providers must be encouraged to take a more active role in diagnosing and treating mental disorders such as depression.

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Updated: October 21, 2009