Objective: Cerebrovascular pathologies have been implicated as a cause of depressive disorders. This study aims to examine the role of cerebrovascular risk factors in late-life suicide.
Methods: The authors calculated cerebrovascular risk factor (CVRF) score, based on the American Heart Association Criteria, for each case and comparison subject from a psychological autopsy study of suicide among community-dwelling adults over age 50 years.
Results: CVRF scores were significantly higher in suicide cases than community-dwelling comparison subjects after accounting for age, sex, depression diagnosis, and functional status.
Conclusion: Cerebrovascular disease may predispose to suicide in older adults by a variety of psychopathological means.