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  • Title: Psychological factors in late-life suicide.
    Author: Osgood NJ.
    Journal: Crisis; 1991 Sep; 12(2):18-24. PubMed ID: 1935192.
    Abstract:
    A number of psychological factors influence late life suicide, including dysfunctional family and family history of suicide; relational problems throughout life; history of drinking; numerous losses in middle and late life such as the loss of power and control, loss of spouse, and loss of work role; and increasing mental health problems in late life. Depression, the most common mental disorder in later life, is a major precipitating factor in suicide. Alcoholism is another major precipitating factor in late-life suicide. Approximately one-third of all suicides are alcoholics. Many of the same factors which contribute to depression also increase the risk of alcoholism and/or suicide. Loss, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and feelings of anxiety, rejection, helplessness, and hopelessness characterize late life alcoholism and depression. Alcoholism, depression, and suicide form a deadly triangle. Family, caregivers, and practitioners need to be aware of the deadly relationship between alcoholism, depression, and suicide in older adults.
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