Suicide in old age: psychotherapeutic intervention

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Psychotherapy for suicidal patients requires careful planning.
• Narcissistic incapacities can significantly impact treatment.
• Understanding patient vulnerabilities is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific narcissistic incapacities in suicidal patients.
• To explore the role of external supports in managing suicide-inviting affects.
• To guide psychotherapeutic interventions and countertransference management in older suicidal patients.

Main Methods:

• Clinical history examination to identify narcissistic incapacities.
• Assessment of patient's vulnerability to worthlessness, aloneness, and murderous rage.
• Evaluation of past and present external sustaining supports.

Main Results:

• Specific narcissistic incapacities predict vulnerability to suicide-inviting affects.
• Loss of external supports exacerbates risk.
• Therapeutic maneuvers can offset narcissistic deficiencies.

Conclusions:

• Identifying narcissistic incapacities is essential for planning psychotherapy with suicidal patients.
• Addressing external supports and narcissistic deficiencies improves therapeutic outcomes.
• Managing countertransference is vital in treating older suicidal patients.