The suitability of the BSRS-5 for assessing elderly who have attempted suicide and need to be referred for professional mental health consultation in a metropolitan city, Taiwan
Journal
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Journal Volume
24
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1151-1157
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Chen W.-J.
Chen G.-C.
Ho C.-K.
MING-BEEN LEE
Chung Y.-T.
Wang Y.-C.
Lin G.-G.
Lu R.-Y.
Sun F.-C.
Chou F.H.-C.
Abstract
Objectives: The goals of this study are to (1) investigate the prevalence of necessary referral for professional mental health consultation for elderly people who attempted suicide ("suicide-attempted") in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan during 2006-2007, (2) assess whether the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) can be used as an efficient screening instrument for assessing the probability of a second suicide attempt among the elderly, and (3) examine predictors of needing referral among the suicide-attempted. Methods: During the study period, 144 suicide-attempted elderly subjects were enrolled. Demographic data, BSRS-5, SAD PERSONS scale, and Medical Outcome Study Short Form-12 (MOS SF-12) data were collected by a trained semi-professional. The prevalence of necessary referrals for the suicide-attempted elderly was estimated, and the salient factors for their referral were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 109 participants out of the 144 recruited completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 75.7%. The prevalence of necessary referrals for professional mental health consultation was 33.9% (37/109). The significant predictors of needing referrals were lower scores for MCS (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.83-0.96), family discord (OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.17-12.75), and type of interviewee (OR = 4.97; 95% CI = 1.57-15.74). Conclusion: When the BSRS-5 is used to evaluate the referral of elderly patients who have attempted suicide for a professional mental health consultation, it is best to conduct in-person interviews to ask whether the elderly patient still has any suicidal ideation. In addition, evaluating quality of life and level of family discord may also be crucial for suicide prevention in the elderly. Copyright ? 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjects
5-item brief symptom rating scale (BSRS-5); Elderly; Suicide prevention; Suicide-attempted
SDGs
Other Subjects
adolescent; adult; aged; article; Brief Symptom Rating Scale 5; consultation; controlled study; demography; depression; elderly care; family life; female; human; major clinical study; male; mental health service; patient referral; probability; psychologic test; quality of life; Short Form 12; suicidal ideation; suicide attempt; Taiwan; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Mental Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Questionnaires; Referral and Consultation; Suicide, Attempted; Taiwan; Urban Population
Type
journal article