Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness

ABOUT THIS BOOK

"In Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness, Tamara McClintock Greenberg provides the medical and psychological community with an exceptionally incisive and truly groundbreaking tour de force. Dr. Greenberg has illuminated the factors implicated in health and illness with a clear and concise perspective culled from the best of contemporary psychoanalytic psychology in a manner not previously accomplished. This work will be valued by all who come into contact with illness, suffering, pain, aging and death. With clearly elucidated concepts, vivid clinical examples and the benefit of her own personal narrative, the book is both compelling and educative. For those who work in medical settings, especially in health psychology and consultation liaison psychiatry, this text presents the definitive study of the nature of the experience of caring for sick people in our society. It will be required reading for a long time to come."
-Marilyn S. Jacobs, Ph.D., ABPP, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

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. It illuminates 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 insightful framework for improving the lives of older patients.

Content Level » Professional/practitioner
Keywords » aging - bodily functioning - illness - narcissism - paranoid states - physiology
Related subjects » Population Studies - Psychiatry - Psychology - Social Sciences

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When the Body Intrudes: Psychotherapy with Older and Medically Ill Adults.- Psychoanalytic theory and the body.- Applying psychodynamic concepts to 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.- Transference and 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 and the 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 We Don’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.

REVIEWS

From the reviews:

"In Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness, Tamara McClintock Greenberg provides the medical and psychological community with an exceptionally incisive and truly groundbreaking tour de force. The book picks up where the biopsychosocial model of George L. Engel, M.D. left off in the middle of the 20th century and expands that view with a new depth. As such, this work remedies what many have considered to be the limitations of that theory. Dr. Greenberg has illuminated the factors implicated in health and illness with a clear and concise perspective culled from the best of contemporary psychoanalytic psychology in a manner not previously accomplished. This work will be valued by all who come into contact with illness, suffering, pain, aging and death. With clearly elucidated concepts, vivid clinical examples and the benefit of her own personal narrative, the book is both compelling and educative. For those who work in medical settings, especially in health psychology and consultation liaison psychiatry, this text presents the definitive study of the nature of the experience of caring for sick people in our society. It will be required reading for a long time to come."
-Marilyn S. Jacobs, Ph.D., ABPP, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles

"Dr. Tamra McClintock Greenberg, in her new book, Psychodynamic Perpectives on Aging and Illness … presents keen insights for understanding your parents feelings and behaviors. The book is geared towards professionals who work with the ‘aging population,’ … . After reading her book I thought you would find a session with Dr. Greenberg … interesting. … I will be sure to recommend your book to all the staff … ." (The Huffington Post, October, 2009)

“Taking a more modern approach to the application of psychodynamic theories to aging and illness, this book emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and current relational functioning. … both experienced clinicians and patients may find this book helpful. … graduate students in clinical/counseling psychology and social work also would find it helpful. … This is a great book for clinicians who want to use psychodynamic theory with the elderly.” (Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody’s Review Service, June, 2010)