title: [Psychotherapy of the elderly adult: what are the possibilities?].
abstract: A good understanding of the psychopathology of old age presupposes the knowledge of adult psychology and the theories of development. It is important to understand well the mechanisms that contributed to build up a personality in one way or an other. Old age is considered as a "stage" with specific tasks. The psychic equilibrium is constantly threatened and as well as adolescence old age must be considered as a period of great vulnerability. To face this danger energetic redistributions must take place. Sexuality and defence mechanisms are analysed by taking in account age-specific aspects. In so far as psychotherapy is concerned we shortly discuss systemic therapies but mainly the technic of supportive psychotherapy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jonquière
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D012723:Sex
vernacular_title: La psychothérapie de l'adulte âgé: quelles possibilités?