Health factors into gun suicide

White men over 50 at greater risk than all others

‘It’s not about taking away guns. I would say there’s an opportunity here to intervene and counsel people on the dangers.’

— BINDU KALESAN assistant professor at Boston University

White men over the age of 50 with deteriorating health are most likely to commit suicide by gunshot, according to a new study from the Boston University School of Medicine — a revelation that could lead to more suicide prevention efforts among doctors.

“A physical health problem is the most important risk factor for older men,” said Bindu Kalesan, assistant professor at Boston University and lead researcher. “It’s not about taking away guns. I would say there’s an opportunity here to intervene and counsel people on the dangers.”

Kalesan and her colleagues analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control’s National Violent Death Reporting System from 2003 to 2011 in 17 states, according to the study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

While financial troubles and other life crises plagued younger men and older women who used guns to commit suicide, men over 50 with health issues were at a 78 percent greater risk than other demographics.

About 60 percent of gun deaths in the United States are suicides.

Given the likelihood that this population makes frequent doctor visits, there should be additional screening to determine whether someone is at risk, said Dr. Michael Siegel, professor of community health sciences at BU School of Medicine.

“It points to the need in the medical practice to be more attentive for patients with chronic diseases or impairments,” said Siegel, who was not involved in the study. “It’s a warning for clinicians that this is something you can be more aware of.”

From a policy standpoint, Siegel said this highlights the need for “red flag” laws — which allow family members or law enforcement to seek court orders to limit people’s access to firearms when they exhibit concerning behavior.

Massachusetts is one of more than 20 states with red flag bills under consideration.

Although this represents an opportunity for doctors to intervene, there must be policy as well as clinical changes, said Dr. Jeff Huffman, director of the Cardiac Psychiatry Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

“Increasing mental health assessment and treatment is

part of the picture for sure, but unless clinical providers can become mind readers, Huffman said, “clinicians will never with 100 percent accuracy be able to assess who is going to plan or commit suicide.”