• Adam C Carter and John J Nicholas.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA. carter.adam@att.net
• Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Mar 1; 84 (3): 460-1.

AbstractSuicidal ideation and completed suicides are an increasing problem among the elderly. In 1992, the elderly accounted for 13% of the population but represented 20% of all completed suicides. There are recognized risk factors for suicides in elderly patients, which include depression, deteriorating physical health, and loss of independent functioning. A complete history enables the examiner to establish a relationship with the patient and to formulate a diagnosis. Unfortunately, histories are often incomplete. Many factors can account for this, including financial pressures, patient volume, and overspecialization. The physiatric history is the integration of many parts. It incorporates not only the physiatrist's evaluation but those of other disciplines as well, for example, physical and occupational therapy. The physiatric history is a sensitive tool for assessing the state of being of the whole patient. We describe a case in which a careful and complete physiatric history and physical examination revealed an elderly patient with suicidal ideation and a plan.Copyright 2003 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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