Nonfatal self-inflicted injuries among adults aged > or = 65 years--United States, 2005

Abstract

In 2005, an estimated 372,722 persons in the United States were treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs) for intentional, nonfatal self-inflicted injuries. Nonfatal self-inflicted injuries are most common among adolescents and young adults; few studies have investigated these types of injuries among adults aged > or =65 years. However, older adults are one of the fastest-growing population groups in the United States and can require more extensive and more costly medical treatment than younger adults. To characterize ED visits for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries among U.S. adults aged > or =65 years, CDC analyzed ED visits for 2005 using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, in 2005, adults aged > or =65 years made an estimated 7,105 visits to EDs (i.e., 19.3 visits per 100,000 population) for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries, and ED health-care providers attributed 80.4% of these visits to suicidal behavior. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of adults aged > or =65 years compared with younger adults were hospitalized after ED visits for suicidal behavior. Comprehensive prevention strategies that combine community outreach, crisis intervention, and clinical management are needed to decrease morbidity and mortality from suicidal behavior among older adults.