Suicide in elderly people

In the UK, the coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland) will only return a verdict of suicide ifsuicidal intent can be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Suicidal intent is not a static concept andchanges with time. Among psychiatric inpatients (including older people), suicides are higher inpatients who have f luctuating suicidal intent than in those whose intent does not f luctuate. Theissue of intent becomes even more complex in elderly patients who, although not overtly expressinga desire to kill themselves, have hidden intent. This paper describes these concepts and reviewsassessment and management options.