1. On the distinction of suicide ideation versus attempt in elderly psychiatric inpatients.
- Author
-
Schmid H, Manjee K, and Shah T
- Subjects
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Depressive Disorder classification, Depressive Disorder epidemiology, Diagnosis, Differential, Family psychology, Female, Humans, Inpatients, Male, Middle Aged, Professional-Patient Relations, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Suicide, Attempted classification, Suicide, Attempted statistics & numerical data, Depressive Disorder diagnosis, Depressive Disorder psychology, Suicide, Attempted psychology
- Abstract
A study of selected elderly psychiatric inpatients admitted for depression suggests that suicidal ideation may initiate a process of smoldering when the patient, family, and professionals interact in such a way as to dampen apparent distress. Suicidal thoughts and mood may be masked by affective or cognitive constriction, camouflaged by anxiety and external agitation, and "tranquilized" by anti-anxiety agents. Depression may go undetected. Distinguishing factors between attempters and ideators are presented.
- Published
- 1994
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