Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.159

Suicidality in Older Adults: From Research Findings to Clinical Patterns in Psychiatric Inpatients

Julija Radović ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia *
Ivana Ljubičić Bistrović ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Tatjana Ružić ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Gordana Rubeša ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Ira Zaharija ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Joško Prološčić ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Josipa Batur ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Marija Vučić Peitl ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova ulica 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Aim: To present factors associated with suicide
risk in older age through research findings and
clinical patterns in hospitalized patients. Materials
and methods: This descriptive expert report
is based on research findings and observations of
older adult patients treated at the Department of
Psychiatry over a one-year period who were hospitalized
due to suicidal ideation or following a
suicide attempt. Results: According to available
research findings, suicide risk in older age is associated
with the accumulation of psychological,
somatic, cognitive, functional, social, and pharmacological
factors. In this context, among other things, previous suicide attempts, mental disorders,
cognitive impairment or dementia, somatic
multimorbidity, chronic pain, functional decline,
losses, isolation, and access to lethal means stand
out. Conclusion: The assessment of suicidality in
older adults should not rely predominantly on
explicitly expressed suicidal ideation. It is clinically
important to recognize the accumulation of
risk factors and less verbalised forms of suffering,
such as loss of autonomy, feelings of being
a burden, withdrawal, or being weary of life. A
biopsychosocial assessment can contribute to
recognizing risk and planning individualized interventions.

Keywords

suicidality; older age; suicide risk; psychiatric hospitalization; biopsychosocial assessment

Hrčak ID:

352272

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352272

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 0 *