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Few Sex Differences in Hospitalized Suicide Attempters Aged 70 and Above

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  • Stefan Wiktorsson

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 15, SU/Sahlgrenska, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Therese Rydberg Sterner

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 6, SU/Sahlgrenska, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Madeleine Mellqvist Fässberg

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 6, SU/Sahlgrenska, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Ingmar Skoog

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 6, SU/Sahlgrenska, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Anne Ingeborg Berg

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Haraldsgatan 1, 413 14 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Paul Duberstein

    (University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd, Box Psych, Rochester, NY 14642, USA)

  • Kimberly Van Orden

    (University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd, Box Psych, Rochester, NY 14642, USA)

  • Margda Waern

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 15, SU/Sahlgrenska, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

Relatively little research attention has been paid to sex issues in late life suicidal behaviour. The aim was to compare clinical characteristics of women and men aged 70+ who were hospitalized after a suicide attempt. We hypothesized higher depression and anxiety scores in women, and we expected to find that men would more often attribute the attempt to health problems and compromised autonomy. Participants (56 women and 47 men, mean age 80) were interviewed by a psychologist. In addition to psychiatric and somatic health assessments, participants responded to an open-ended question concerning attributions of the attempt. There were no sex differences in depression and anxiety. Forty-five percent of the men and 14% of the women had a history of substance use disorder ( p = 0.02). At least one serious physical disability was noted in 60.7% of the women and 53.2% of the men ( p = 0.55). Proportions attributing their attempt to somatic illness did not differ (women, 14.5% vs. men 17.4%, p = 0.79), and similar proportions attributed the attempt to reduced autonomy (women, 21.8% vs. men, 26.1%, p = 0.64). We found strikingly similar figures for depression scores, functional disability and attributions for attempting suicide in older men and women. Larger studies are needed in diverse settings as sex differences might be influenced by cultural context.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Wiktorsson & Therese Rydberg Sterner & Madeleine Mellqvist Fässberg & Ingmar Skoog & Anne Ingeborg Berg & Paul Duberstein & Kimberly Van Orden & Margda Waern, 2018. "Few Sex Differences in Hospitalized Suicide Attempters Aged 70 and Above," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:1:p:141-:d:127216
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roland Mergl & Nicole Koburger & Katherina Heinrichs & András Székely & Mónika Ditta Tóth & James Coyne & Sónia Quintão & Ella Arensman & Claire Coffey & Margaret Maxwell & Airi Värnik & Chantal van A, 2015. "What Are Reasons for the Large Gender Differences in the Lethality of Suicidal Acts? An Epidemiological Analysis in Four European Countries," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-18, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Merike Sisask & Kairi Kõlves, 2018. "Towards a Greater Understanding of Suicidal Behaviour and Its Prevention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-8, August.

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