Introduction
Despite current suicide prevention strategies, suicide rates are increasing in many Western countries in the 45-60 age group. In order to comprehend the high risk of suicide in this group, it is essential to gain insight into its risk factors.
Methods
A case-control psychological autopsy study examined the differences between individuals who died by suicide (i.e., suicide cases) and those with psychological problems (i.e., living controls) between the ages of 45 and 60 years.
Results
82 informants were interviewed regarding 48 suicide cases and 23 controls. Controls were significantly more likely than suicide cases to have discussed the subject of euthanasia (45.5% vs.15.2%), to experience physical problems (95.7% vs. 70.8%) and undergo treatment for these problems (73.9% vs. 39.6%). Suicide cases were more likely to be diagnosed with a depressive episode, depressive disorder (87.5% vs. 60.9%), but less likely to have current treatment for psychiatric disorders (70.8% vs. 95.7%). Suicide cases were more likely than controls to experience problems at work (85.4% vs. 60.9%), future financial problems (59.0% vs. 22.2%), and concerns about these problems (56.8% vs. 22.2).
Conclusion
The results suggest possibilities for suicide prevention among middle-aged individuals through targeted interventions addressing mental healthcare, occupational settings, and financial distress.