title: Differences between younger and older adults in the structure of suicidal intent and its correlates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze differences in the variables associated with severity of suicidal intent and in the main factors associated with intent when comparing younger and older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four general hospitals in Madrid, Spain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight hundred seventy suicide attempts by 793 subjects split into two groups: 18-54 year olds and subjects older than 55 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors tested the factorial latent structure of suicidal intent through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis for categorical outcomes and performed statistical tests of invariance across age groups using the DIFFTEST procedure. Then, they tested a multiple indicators-multiple causes (MIMIC) model including different covariates regressed on the latent factor "intent" and performed two separate MIMIC models for younger and older adults to test for differential patterns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older adults had higher suicidal intent than younger adults (z = 2.63, p = 0.009). The final model for the whole sample showed a relationship of intent with previous attempts, support, mood disorder, personality disorder, substance-related disorder, and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The model showed an adequate fit (chi²[12] = 22.23, p = 0.035; comparative fit index = 0.986; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.980; root mean square error of approximation = 0.031; weighted root mean square residual = 0.727). All covariates had significant weights in the younger group, but in the older group, only previous attempts and mood disorders were significantly related to intent severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pattern of variables associated with suicidal intent varies with age. Recognition, and treatment of geriatric depression may be the most effective measure to prevent suicidal behavior in older adults.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, Autónoma University of Madrid, La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miret
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nuevo
authors.forename: Consuelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morant
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sainz-Cortón
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Arriero
authors.forename: Juan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: López-Ibor
authors.forename: Blanca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Reneses
authors.forename: Jerónimo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saiz-Ruiz
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baca-García
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ayuso-Mateos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D013030:Spain; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents