Determinants of Suicide-related Ideation in Late Life Depression: Associations with Perceived Stress

Abstract

<b>Objectives</b>: Perceived stress is emerging as a potential contributing factor in suicide-related ideation in older adults. We hypothesized higher levels of perceived stress would be associated with increased self-reported suicidal ideation independent of depressive symptom severity.<b>Methods</b>: This study used data from community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 with a current diagnosis of major depression. Eligible participants completed measures of depression symptom severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item), current suicidal ideation (Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale).<b>Results</b>: Participants were 225 older adults with a mean age of 71.4 (<i>SD</i> = 5.6). Sixty-five percent of the sample was female. Fifteen percent of the variance in suicidal ideation was accounted for by lower education (<i>p</i> = .03), male sex (<i>p</i> = .03) and higher current perceived stress (<i>p</i> < .001). Specifically, stress accounted for 12% of the variance.<b>Conclusions</b>: Perceived stress is an important avenue to increase identification of individuals with a higher risk of suicide-related ideation among older adults with a current diagnosis of major depression.<b>Clinical Implications</b>: Screening for perceived stress may allow for improved screening and prevention of suicidal activity in depressed older adults.