Differences in risk factors for suicidality between African American and white patients vulnerable to suicide

Lauren C. Vanderwerker, Joyce H. Chen, Peter Charpentier, Mary Elizabeth Paulk, Marion Michalski, Holly G. Prigerson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Risk factors for suicidal ideation and attempts have been shown to differ between African Americans and Whites across the lifespan. In the present study, risk factors for suicidality were examined separately by race/ethnicity in a population of 131 older adult patients considered vulnerable to suicide due to substance abuse and/or medical frailty. In adjusted analyses, social support was significantly associated with suicidality in African American patients, while younger age and the presence of an anxiety disorder were significantly associated with suicidality in White patients. The results suggest that race/ethnicity-specific risk profiles may improve the detection of suicidality in vulnerable populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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