Margda Waern
Institution for Neuroscience and Physiology,
Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Suicidal Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Dependence. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2010, 540 pages.

Suicide rates are particularly high among elderly in most western countries. Studies from a number of different western settings demonstrate increased risk of suicide in elderly persons with alcohol use disorders. The association is not consistent worldwide, and this might in part be attributed to differences in alcohol consumption patterns. Controlled studies are needed to clarify the role of alcohol in non-lethal suicidal behaviours in late life. Given the aging of populations worldwide, and changing trends in alcohol consumption, some regions may need to expand prevention efforts in order to target elderly with problematic alcohol consumption, especially those with comorbid depression.