More than ever, the aging process is recognized as carrying a special set of emotional challenges–especially when acute or chronic medical conditions are involved. In this light, Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness presents a fresh, contemporary application of psychodynamic theory, addressing the complex issues surrounding declining health. Informed by the spectrum of psychodynamic thought from self, relational, and classical theories, this forward looking volume offers more modern interpretations of theory, and techniques for working with a growing, complicated, but surprisingly resilient population. Itilluminates how to enhance the therapeutic relationship in key areas such as addressing body- and self-image issues, approach sensitive topics, and understand the disconnect that can occur between medical patients and the often impersonal, technology-driven health care system. At the same time, the author cogently argues for pluralism in a therapeutic approach that is frequently threatened by forces both within and outside the field. Among the topics covered: Medical illness as trauma. Idealization and the culture of medicine. Normative and pathological narcissism in the ill and/or aging patient. Noncompliant and self-destructive behaviors. Transference and countertransference issues. Psychotherapy with cognitively impaired adults. Grief, loss, and hope. Expanding on what we know and candid about what we don’t, Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness offers mental health researchers and practitioners an insightfulframework for improving the lives of older patients. New application of psychodynamic approaches to medical conditions Appropriate for a variety of geriatric practitioners Helps therapists understand the developmental consequences ofillness Simultaneous examination of illness and aging Discusses normative andnon-normative populations INDICE: When the Body Intrudes: Psychotherapy with Older and Medically IllAdults.- Psychoanalytic theory and the body.- Applying psychodynamic conceptsto aging and medically ill patients.- Aging and the medically ill: An increasing population.- Technology, Idealization, and Unconscious Dynamics in the Culture of Medicine .- The hypomanic culture of medicine.- Patient expectations in medicine.- Technology and idealization.- Looking for love (and a cure): Medical relationships.- The Trauma of Medical Illness.- The mental health clinician and medical patients.- Medical illness as adult onset trauma.- Past trauma in the context of aging and illness.- Narcissistic Aspects of Aging and Illness.- The concept of narcissism within psychodynamic theory.- The 'mid-life crisis'.- Transference and Countertransference in Aging and Illness .- Transferenceand implications for older and medically ill patients.- Countertransference feelings in working with medical patients.- Self-destructive Behaviors, Masochistic Dynamics, and Illness .- Psychodynamic ideas on masochism.- Masochism andthe body.- Cognitive Changes and Implications for the Therapeutic Encounter .- Cognitive impairment in the elderly.- Normal physical changes related to aging.- Psychotherapy with cognitively impaired adults.- What We Know and What WeDon’t: The Influence of Psychological Factors on Medical Illness.- Heart disease.- Osteoporosis.- Cancer.- Child Abuse.- The meaning of the research on psychological factors and medical risk.- Hope and Grief: The Introduction of an Emotional Language.- Alexithymia: Adaptive aspects of psychic detachment.- Alexithymia and hysteria.- Trauma, the sense of self and therapeutic action.- (Epilogue) Resilience in the elderly and medically ill.
- ISBN: 978-1-4419-6972-9
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 150
- Fecha Publicación: 19/06/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés