Suicidal overdoses of psychotropic drugs by elderly in New York City: comparison with younger adults

Psychiatry Res. 2011 Aug 15;188(3):459-61. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.05.004. Epub 2011 May 25.

Abstract

We compared New York City suicide victims aged 18-59 with those 60+ according to rates by which psychotropic/analgesic drugs and ethanol contributed to death. Barbiturates were more frequent in the elderly, while antidepressants were more frequent in younger adults. Addressing the potential for overdose with barbiturates may aid suicide prevention in the elderly.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Drug Overdose / epidemiology*
  • Drug Overdose / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Psychotropic Drugs / poisoning*
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs