Depression and suicidal ideation among the geriatric population of Kashmir, India

Shoib, Sheikh; Islam, Sheikh Mohammed Shariful; Arafat, S. M. Yasir; Hakak, Sohail Ahmad

doi:10.1177/0020764020968592

Cited by 17 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The literature shows that about 5% of major depressive disorder occurs in community-dwelling older adults, and 8 to 16% of older adults have clinically significant depressive symptoms [ 84 ]. This result is in agreement with previously reported findings of the elderly experiencing major depressive disorders [ 39 , 43 ]. During a psychological autopsy study of completed suicide in later life, sixteen out of eighteen subjects were diagnosed with major depressive disorder [ 85 ], which contributed to their death.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

“…This review highlights the high prevalence of major depressive disorder in the elderly and other correlates [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. This literature review included studies from 2000 to 2021, which reflects the time of modernization where more internet and online activities have been on the rise [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Table 1 suggests that the prevalence estimates of major depressive disorder in the elderly ranged from 5.37 [ 43 ] to 56% [ 39 ]. The review also indicates that depression is a major reason for suicide in the elderly [ 39 , 44 , 45 ]. Some studies reported a direct correlation between depression and death by suicide [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One of the articles reviewed revealed that sexual dysfunction and cuckoldry contributed to depressive symptoms in the elderly, which predisposes them to suicidal ideation and even death by suicide [ 5 ]. Six articles used validated scales like GDS and Beck’s inventory scale and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in diagnosing depression in the elderly [ 39 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 48 , 49 ]. Nine articles identified the dominant methods used by the elderly to complete suicide [ 2 , 5 , 37 , 50 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Major depressive disorder has been shown to be the commonest psychiatric diagnosis in elderly suicide victims, and it is also the main cause of suicide in the geriatric population [ 29 , 88 ]. Other studies suggested that a feeling of hopelessness is also a common symptomatology in elderly suicide victims [ 37 , 39 , 53 , 69 , 70 ]. Nonetheless, depression usually coexists with other medical health conditions and disabilities and can be provoked by diseases that affect the elderly such as diabetes mellitus, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis [ 10 , 70 , 89 , 90 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder and Correlates of Thoughts of Death, Suicidal Behaviour, and Death by Suicide in the Geriatric Population—A General Review of Literature

Obuobi-Donkor

Nkire

Agyapong

2021

Behavioral Sciences

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Background: There has been an increase in deaths by suicide in old age in the last decade. Depression and suicide in the elderly, 60 years and above, is a major global public health concern. Determining the prevalence of depression, and correlates of death by suicide in the geriatric population, is an important first step toward addressing this public health concern. This literature review aims to determine the prevalence of major depressive disorders and the correlates of death by suicide in the geriatric population. Methods: This general review of the literature was performed using relevant search terms to determine both the prevalence of depression and the correlates of death by suicide among the geriatric population. Databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched. Relevant and current articles were extracted, reviewed, and analyzed. The elderly population was defined as individuals 60 years and above. Only full texts articles in English were reviewed. Findings: The prevalence estimates of major depressive disorder in the elderly ranged from 5.37 to 56%. Adults aged 60 years and older have a high risk of depression that exposes them to suicide. Moreover, elderly women are more likely to experience depression than elderly men, but successful suicide is more common in men. Depression and other mental health conditions (schizophrenia, anxiety disorders) and perceived stress were found to be predictors of suicide in the elderly. Other predictors included physical illnesses such as malignancies, financial constraints, cuckoldry, and sexual dysfunction, and also social factors like living alone triggers depressive symptoms and increases suicidal risk in the elderly. Hanging was found to be the most common method of death by suicide for both sexes. While elderly women preferred poisoning, elderly men in Western countries preferred firearms. Differences in gender, the aging process and social issues were also contributing factors to methods used for suicide. Conclusions: Depression and debilitating physical illnesses were identified as significant contributors to suicide risk in the elderly population, and emphasis should be placed on identifying these factors early and treating them. Recognizing and addressing factors that predict suicide in the elderly will help to improve the mental wellbeing of the elderly.

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