This article provides a literature review, conceptual framework, case history, and supportive data on the subject of psychogenic mortality, that is, the phenomenon of willing oneself t o die that occurs among institutionalized elderly. The article is based on the observation of this phenomenon in a long-term care facility. The literature review provides background data f i o m developmental studies in psychodynamic literature that may be applicable to this phenomenon as observed The case history and supportive material suggests rationale and methods f o r intervention and treatment.This article is a review of the literature on the subject of what the authors have labeled psychogenic mortality, a syndrome in which a patient's psychological condition triggers physical effects of a pathological nature leading ultimately to death. The literature review relies heavily on the clinical experience of a variety of health care professionals. Implications for practitioners dealing with case-finding and treatment proposals follow.As a major component of any health care team serving the elderly, the practitioner must be sensitive t o all aspects of death and dying, including those manifestations related to this "giving up" phenomenon. The professionals in a long-term care facility often have the closest clinical relationship with patients and may thus be the first to be able to recognize the onset of the psychogenic mortality syndrome and apply the principles contained later in this article.
This paper reviews the status of geriatric group psychotherapy and the experience with such programs at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Specific ways are suggested for enhancing the administration of group psycho-therapy programs in the geriatric institutional setting. Group therapy techniques adapted to the specialized needs of the aged are of definite therapeutic benefit.
Miami Beach--or "God's Waiting Room" as some have flippantly named it--has an overwhelming number of elderly people living on low incomes. This article describes the community-based programs instituted by one long-term care facility that not only provide a viable alternative to institutionalization, but are cost effective as well.
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