Psychological factors in late-life suicide.

A number of psychological factors influence late life suicide, including dysfunctional family and family history of suicide; relational problems throughout life; history of drinking; numerous losses in middle and late life such as the loss of power and control, loss of spouse, and loss of work role; and increasing mental health problems in late life. Depression, the most common mental disorder in later life, is a major precipitating factor in suicide. Alcoholism is another major precipitating factor in late-life suicide. Approximately one-third of all suicides are alcoholics. Many of the same factors which contribute to depression also increase the risk of alcoholism and/or suicide. Loss, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and feelings of anxiety, rejection, helplessness, and hopelessness characterize late life alcoholism and depression. Alcoholism, depression, and suicide form a deadly triangle. Family, caregivers, and practitioners need to be aware of the deadly relationship between alcoholism, depression, and suicide in older adults.