A look at suicide warning signs

The elderly are the highest risk population in the United States for suicide. But few suicide-prevention programs target them _ a result, advocates say, of scarce funding and lack of concern for older Americans. A look at some signs of depression, a top risk factor for suicide.

_ Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

_ Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt

_ Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities that were once enjoyed

_ Fatigue, restlessness, irritability

_ Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

_ Insomnia or oversleeping

_ Significant weight change

_ Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

_ Thoughts of death

Other factors that put elderly people at risk for suicide include:

_ Previous suicide attempts or family history of suicide

_ Existing or past mental disorders

_ History of alcohol and substance abuse

_ Loss of personal, social or professional ties

_ Illness, isolation, access to lethal weapons

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute for Mental Health.