Physical Health and Suicide in Late Life: An Evaluative Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT A review of the empirical literature shows that physical illness increases risk for suicide late in life. Conditions that confer risk include cancer, some neurological disorders (including seizure and possibly cognitive impairment, but not Parkinson's disease or stroke), chronic pulmonary disorder, incontinence, renal failure, hearing or vision impairment, insomnia, and congestive heart failure. Nonetheless, most physically ill older adults do not die by suicide. The extent to which risks are explained by depression, disability, and pain remains to be evaluated. Depression outweighs physical illness as a risk factor for suicide in late life. Clinicians should routinely assess for depression as well as suicide risk in physically ill older adults.