More needs to be done to recognise the increased suicide risk that physical diseases, such as cancer, can bring in older adults, a Queensland coroner has found.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Deputy state coroner John Lock recommended increased screening for depression in elderly patients following their diagnosis or treatment.
Mr Lock ruled the death of a 75-year-old cancer patient living in a care facility to be suicide, determining the elderly man had caused his own death in January 2014 after returning from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
While Mr Lock found there was no way the man's family or staff at his nursing home could have predicted his actions, the deputy coroner found the man's death was indicative of a wider issue of facing older adults given serious physical disease diagnosis.
"In light of the research referred to in relation to physical diseases as predictors of suicide in older adults, and the evidence of Dr [Kieron] Bigby that this is a real psychosocial issue which needs resources to address the issue, I recommend that the Queensland Department of Health, in partnership with the aged care sector and the general practitioner sector, implement routine screening and assessment for elderly persons diagnosed with and/or undergoing treatment for significant physical conditions, together with screening for depression," Mr Lock wrote in his report.
Mr Lock cited research by the Queensland based Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention and assistance from the Office of the State Coroner Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Unit, reporting "that depression and severe physical health conditions may increase risk of suicide amongst older persons, with some indication of an elevated risk immediately after diagnosis".
"Suicidal behaviour amongst older persons is often undertaken with greater intent, and greater lethality than amongst younger cohorts," Mr Lock reported.
"Elderly persons are less likely to discuss their plans prior to death and are more likely to choose more lethal methods.
"The research suggests depression amongst this cohort is under-diagnosed and therefore under-treated."
Mr Lock recommended health providers – who were already in regular contact with patients due to their condition – as an "ideal point of intervention for suicide prevention strategies", along with making staff in aged care facilities more aware of the risks.
Fairfax Media has chosen not to name the man out of respect for his family.
If you need help or support contact, Lifeline: 13 11 14, beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 crisis support), or headspace: 1800 650 890 - www.headspace.org.au.
