Veuvage, dépression et crise suicidaire chez le sujet âgé

The high rate of suicide among the elderly is a clinical and epidemiological reality that causes considerable concern. This article examines the links between depression appearing in the wake of widowhood and the suicidal crisis in the elderly. Thus, the combined loss of spouse and marital bond could point to a flaw in the narcissistic organisation of personality, which could favour the late onset of suicidal crisis. The analysis of a clinical case illustrates these conceptual developments.