Dreams and suicidal behaviour

Oneirology, the study and interpretation of dream content, has been part of human experience throughout recorded history. In modern times, the interpretation of dreams has been used as a tool in the practice of psychotherapy for the purpose of developing insight into the individual's intrapsychic and interpersonal relationships. Ringel, Jung, and others have noted that the content of dreams may be used to assess the individual's state of mind with regard to suicidal intent. Litman has noted the difference between dreams related to suicide and dreams expressing the presence of a clinical depression. Death dreams of the elderly may be considered expressions of depressive symptoms, although this conclusion should be approached with caution. Taylor, Sanford, and others have noted that death dreams generally may be considered as the need for transformation within the individual's personality. The author's impressions taken from clinical experience as well as his experience in teaching university-level courses both in dream interpretation and suicidology are also included in this paper.