title: Narcissistic crises of aging and suicidal despair.
abstract: After reviewing some of the dangers inherent in oversimplifying the nature of suicide for public education purposes, a model (the "wedding-cake model") of elderly suicide is outlined. This model is derived from a community-based psychological autopsy study. It is hypothesized that elderly persons who die by suicide have a lifelong character fault that remains invisible until aging life-changes force the issue into the open.
authors: Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
authors: D C
authors: DC
authors: Clark
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D008297:Male; D009289:Narcissism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention