Which type of mental illness is most commonly associated with suicide in older adults?

• A. Dementia
• B. Anxiety
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Depression

Answer: (C)

Depression in older adults is the strongest mental health factor linked to suicide. While other conditions like dementia, anxiety, or schizophrenia can occur in later life and influence risk, the pattern most consistently associated with completed or attempted suicide is major depressive disorder. Depression brings persistent hopelessness, anhedonia, fatigue, and thoughts of death or desire for escape, which strongly increase suicide risk. In older adults, these symptoms can be overlooked or mistaken for normal aging or medical illness, leading to under-treatment and higher risk. Factors that amplify risk include chronic illness, functional limitations, social isolation, bereavement, and prior suicide attempts, with suicide more common among older men. Screening for mood symptoms and providing appropriate treatment—combining psychotherapy with carefully managed medications and support—are key steps in reducing risk.