Biology of elderly suicide.
Most studies of suicide in younger patients have demonstrated significant alterations in the serotonin system. Although a high percentage of completed suicides occur in late-life, to date very few studies of the biology of suicide have focused on this age group. This chapter describes age-related changes in the central nervous system pertinent to the biology of suicide, then reviews post-mortem biological studies of the brains of suicides and suicide attempters. As suicide attempts in the elderly are characterized by the use of violent means, biologic studies of impulsive violence are discussed. Finally we describe data on the effect of degenerative diseases on the serotonin system and the possible link to increased suicidal behavior in affected patients. This review underscores the need for further study of the biology of suicide in the geriatric age group.
Rifai
A H
AH
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 15213.
Reynolds
C F
CF
Mann
J J
JJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D015415:Biomarkers; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013405:Suicide
D015415:Biomarkers; D012701:Serotonin