Warning signs of suicide in older adults

Suicide rates increase with age and are highest among white men age 65 and older. Divorced and widowed men in this age group have the highest suicide rates, and their most common method of suicide is firearms.

The following warning signs may be present in older adults who have a high risk for suicide:

• Depression. Older adults have higher rates of depression than the general population.
• Other mental health problem, such as severe anxiety, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), or schizophrenia
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Being alone for long periods of time (social isolation)
• Being preoccupied with death in conversations
• The diagnosis of a serious physical illness
• Recent life change, such as the death or chronic illness of a spouse or child, retirement, or financial difficulties
• Physical disabilities

FDA Advisories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued advisories to patients, families, and health professionals to closely monitor children and adults taking antidepressants for signs of suicide. This is especially important at the beginning of treatment or when doses are changed.

The FDA also advises that anyone with depression be observed for increases in anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, irritability, insomnia, impulsivity, hostility, and mania. It is most important to watch for these behaviors in children, who may be less able to control their impulsivity as much as adults and therefore may be at greater risk for suicidal impulses. The FDA has not recommended that people stop using antidepressants, but simply to monitor those taking the medications and, if concerns arise, to contact a health professional.