Suicide in the elderly.

Suicide is more common among the elderly than any other age group. Elderly white males constitute the group at highest risk for suicide in the United States. Older persons typically choose means of high lethality in suicide attempts. Previous suicide attempts, bereavement, alcohol abuse, depression, psychosis, physical illness, and social isolation are all risk factors for suicide in the elderly. Clinicians who treat this patient group should have a high index of suspicion for suicidal ideation.