45% of all older people who commit suicide visit their primary care physician within one month of their death. While the suicide rate increases with age, the prevalence of psychiatric treatment decreases. Many physicians just don’t recognize the signs of mental distress in their elderly patients. Fewer older individuals engage in self-harming behaviors than younger cohorts, and fewer attempt suicide. But far more succeed when they do attempt.
Doctors Often Miss Mental Illness in Seniors
Doctors Often Miss Mental Illness in Seniors
Doctors Often Miss Mental Illness in Seniors
45% of all older people who commit suicide visit their primary care physician within one month of their death. While the suicide rate increases with age, the prevalence of psychiatric treatment decreases. Many physicians just don’t recognize the signs of mental distress in their elderly patients. Fewer older individuals engage in self-harming behaviors than younger cohorts, and fewer attempt suicide. But far more succeed when they do attempt.