Squires T J, Busuttil A
Med Sci Law. 1991 Apr;31(2):137-46. doi: 10.1177/002580249103100209.
This study examined all the suicides in the over 60 age group in the Lothian and Borders region of Scotland during the period 1983-1988. The data was analysed according to a number of variables, primarily with the intention of identifying the characteristics of the elderly suicide population. With the exception of those persons who exhibit a history of previous attempts, it is concluded that no characteristics unique to that cohort exist. Hence the problem of an accurate and precise diagnosis and assessment of suicide risk is difficult and complex. Cases exhibiting recent contact with the medical profession illustrate the problems of preventive procedures once a valid initial assessment has been made. Medico-legal issues raised by these cases are noted. It is suggested that prevention must be considered as a general function of the care of the elderly rather than as a process appropriate to a 'high-risk' group.
本研究调查了1983年至1988年期间苏格兰洛锡安和边境地区60岁以上人群中的所有自杀案例。数据根据若干变量进行分析，主要目的是确定老年自杀人群的特征。结论是，除了那些有过自杀未遂史的人之外，该人群不存在独特的特征。因此，准确精确地诊断和评估自杀风险的问题既困难又复杂。近期与医疗行业有接触的案例说明了在做出有效的初步评估后预防措施所面临的问题。记录了这些案例引发的法医学问题。建议预防应被视为老年人护理的一项常规职能，而不是适用于“高危”群体的一个过程。
