[Suicide among the elderly in Norway].

BACKGROUND

We wanted to generate more knowledge about elderly people who commit suicide in Norway, especially in relation to demographic conditions, somatic and psychiatric disease, suicide methods and suicidal communication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material consists of 287 cases of suicide in people aged 65 years or more who were examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine of the University of Oslo during the 1992-2000 period. Sources of information were the forensic autopsy records and police reports.

RESULTS

In a majority of the cases the deceased had suffered from psychiatric disease (62%), mostly depression (41%). Somatic disease was less often a prominent factor (22%). A majority had an established contact with the health services at the time of suicide. Suicidal thoughts had been expressed by 29%; previous suicide attempts had been reported by 15%.

INTERPRETATION

Health personnel must pay attention to elderly people with symptoms of depression, especially those who express suicidal feelings and have made previous attempts.