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Suicidal behavior and assisted suicide in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2015

Brian M. Draper
Brian M. Draper*
Affiliation:
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Brian M. Draper, Director, Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Euroa Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia. Phone: 61-2-9382 3753; Fax 61-2-9382 3762. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

Concerns about suicide risk in people with dementia have been increasing in recent years along with a discourse about rational suicide and assisted suicide.

Methods:

A systematic narrative literature review of suicidal behavior and assisted suicide in persons with dementia.

Results:

Most studies that have examined the spectrum of suicidal ideation, attempted suicide and suicide in dementia have methodological limitations but the overall suicide risk does not appear to be increased. When suicidal behavior does occur, common themes include the presence of psychiatric comorbidity, mainly depression; occurrence early in the dementia course with preserved insight and capacity; and an increased risk in younger people. The emerging discourse on rational and assisted suicide has been spurred by early and pre-symptomatic diagnosis and poses a number of ethical challenges for clinicians including the role of proxy decision-makers.

Conclusions:

Although dementia might not confer a significant overall risk for suicidal behavior, clinicians still need to consider the potential for suicide in vulnerable individuals particularly early in the dementia course.

Keywords

suicidedementiaeuthanasia
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 27 , Special Issue 10: Psychosocial and Ethical Aspects of Dementia , October 2015 , pp. 1601 - 1611
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2015 

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