Socio-Demographic and Clinical-Psychological Factors of Suicide Attempts by SelfPoisoning in Old Age

BACKGROUND The article presents statistics indicating an increase in suicide risks in old age in modern society, as well as research data on various risk factors in the elderly. AIM OF THE STUDY Based on the analysis of existing studies, develop a set of validated methods that take into account the specifics of old age and are aimed at screening clinical and psychological factors of suicide risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 23 elderly patients who had attempted suicide by self-poisoning and were treated in the toxicology department of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine. The data from testing a set of methods aimed at screening clinical and psychological factors of suicide risk are presented. within the framework of a pilot study. RESULTS The importance of such risk factors for suicide in old age as depressive symptoms, decreased level of social support and subjective experience of loneliness was confirmed. The adequacy of the developed complex to the purpose of the study was demonstrated. CONCLUSION The pilot study allows us to make a preliminary conclusion that among the factors of depression and suicide risk in old age, the subjective experience of loneliness plays a special role. It is necessary to continue the study on an expanded sample.