title: A psychodynamic approach to suicide prevention.
abstract: This paper sets forth a new theoretical approach to understanding the psychological etiology of suicide. The theory is demonstrated by an in-depth clinical case example, and its implications for the management of the suicidal candidate in his acute interim and long-term care are described. The theory assumes that the primary motivation to suicide comes from a clinically characteristic, unremitting psychological pain. The role of the suicidal prevention center is discussed with specific emphasis on the quality of the engagement between a center staff person and the suicidal patient. A future course for suicide centers is suggested based on the theory.
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012043:Regression, Psychology; D014167:Transference, Psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention