Long-Term Care

Experts request funding to study rise in elderly suicides

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, September 26, 2006

Last week, experts addressed the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging regarding the increase in mental health illnesses and suicide rates among senior citizens. The committee was charged with identifying ways to improve mental healthcare for seniors and provide funding to research suicide risks among elderly, according to its press release.

Top reasons for an increase in suicide among the elderly are inadequate mental health training for primary care physicians and poor access to mental health care, the Los Angeles Times reported. Senior citizens experience social isolation, physical illness, and the death of loved ones more so than other age groups. Many seniors must choose between antidepressants and medication to treat a physical ailment; when finances are tight they forgo the antidepressant, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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