TUESDAY, Sept. 21 (HealthDayNews) -- The devastating psychological damage wrought by childhood sexual abuse haunts victims well into advanced age, claims a new study in the September/October issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Researchers found that among a group of older depressed women, those who had suffered abuse were more likely to consider taking their own life. These women also had higher rates of multiple suicide attempts.

"The maxim that 'time heals all wounds' may not apply," University of Rochester researchers said in a prepared statement.

An evaluation of sexual abuse should be included when assessing suicide risks in older patients, the researchers suggested.

More information

The National Institutes of Health has more about childhood sexual abuse.