## Demographic Risk Factors for Suicide **Key Point:** Age is the most robust demographic predictor of completed suicide, with a marked increase in suicide rates in males after age 65 years, particularly in those aged 75+ years. ### Age-Related Pattern in Males - Suicide rates increase progressively with age in males - Peak incidence occurs in elderly males (>65 years), especially those >75 years - This contrasts with females, who show a bimodal distribution (peak in young adulthood and again in elderly) - The elderly account for ~18% of population but ~25% of suicides in developed countries ### Why Age > 65 is the Strongest Predictor 1. Biological factors: neurobiological changes, medical comorbidities 2. Psychosocial factors: retirement, loss of role, bereavement, social isolation 3. Medical factors: chronic pain, terminal illness, functional decline 4. Access to lethal means: often higher in elderly ### Other Important Risk Factors (but weaker than age) - **Unemployment:** significant but modifiable; not as strong as age - **Recent divorce/relationship loss:** important life stressor but time-limited - **Low education:** associated with suicide but less predictive than age **High-Yield:** In NEET PG, when asked about the "single most important demographic risk factor" for completed suicide in males, the answer is **age >65 years**. This is a testable fact anchored in epidemiology. **Clinical Pearl:** The "male gender paradox" — males attempt suicide less frequently than females (1:3 ratio) but complete suicide 3–4 times more often. Age amplifies this risk dramatically in males.
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