Study Reveals Rising Suicide Rate Among Older South Asian Women - Royal College Of Psychiatrists

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 31 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The suicide rate in older women of South Asian origin is increasing, according to new research published in the November issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Suicide rates among those over the age of 65 are now double that of other women living in England and Wales. The psychiatrists who carried out the study describe the finding as "a matter of concern" and call for further research into the reasons underlying the trend.

The researchers obtained data from the Office for National Statistics on all suicides in England and Wales between 1993 and 2003. Of the 54,745 suicides that were recorded, 1,438 were identified as being people of South Asian origin using name recognition software.

Age-standardised suicide rates were calculated for the South Asian origin population and the rest of the population. Men of South Asian origin in England and Wales were found to have a relatively low age-standardised suicide rate, while women of South Asian origin had marginally raised suicide rates.

However, while overall suicide rates for people of South Asian origin were found to decrease over the ten year period, for women aged over 65 there was a marked increase. This is contrary to all previous studies, which report rates of suicide for older women of South Asian origin that are similar to or lower than rates in England and Wales or in White comparison groups.

The researchers have attributed this higher rate to bereavement and long-term illness, explaining: "The life expectancy of men of South Asian origin is lower than that for England and Wales, leaving an increasing number of bereaved older women of South Asian origin. Older women of South Asian origin are also more likely to suffer from a limiting long-term illness. Both bereavement and long-term illness are known risk factors for depression and suicide."

Further research is now needed to investigate whether all South Asian origin groups are affected equally, of if specific sub-populations have different risks of suicide.

The researchers have also identified older South Asian women as being a suitable group for a targeted suicide prevention strategy.

Reference

"Suicide rates in people of South Asian origin in England and Wales: 1993-2003"
McKenzie K, Bhui K, Nanchahal K and Blizard B (2008)
British Journal of Psychiatry, 193: 406-409

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The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

-- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
-- Improving understanding through research and education
-- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
-- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry , Psychiatric Bulletin , Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and International Psychiatry , all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

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