Screening for Delirium, Dementia and Depression in Older Adults

Nursing Best Practice GuidelineAppendix M: Suicide Riskin the Older AdultPredicting suicide risk in an individual is difficult. There are certain factorsthat have been associated with a greater potential for suicide. These factors are listed in thetable below along with the behavioral cues.ASSESSING SUICIDAL BEHAVIOURI. Suicidal Intent Verbalizes suicidal thoughts Can outline a concrete realistic plan Physical ability to carry out threat Describes suicidal intent Methods are available79II. Behaviour Gives guarded answers to questions Increasing withdrawal Resolving depression Gives away possessions Drug/alcohol abuse Diverts interviewer off topic Depressed affect Sudden interest/disinterest in religion Puts affairs in orderIII. Risk Factors Male Low self-esteem Supports systems: decreased or non-existent Decline in cognitive status History of suicide attempts or violence Substance abuse White Family history of suicide Decline in physical status Impulsivity Recent loss or change in lifeReproduced with permission from Practical Psychiatry in the Long-Term Care Facility by Conn, ISBN 0-88937-222-5,2001, p.113.© 2001 by Hogrefe & Huber Publishers • Seattle • Toronto • Göttingen • Bern