Rational Suicide in the Elderly

Robert E. McCue, M.D. Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry; Program Director, Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry; New York University School of MedicineMeera Balasubramaniam, M.D., MPH Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

"The purpose is to provide clinicians with guidance in managing a small population of older adults who want to have control of when and how they die. ... This book is intended for use by medical professionals who work with older adults, including geriatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care doctors, hospitalists, palliative care specialists, educators, nurses, and social workers. ... provides an excellent overview of this topic and is recommended for anyone prepared to work in this challenging, shifting clinical arena." (Danielle L. Anderson, Doody's Book Reviews, March, 2016)

• Introduction (McCue).- Elderly suicide through history (McCue).- Acceptability of elderly suicide across cultures.- Baby boomers and the wish to control life and death.- Can suicide in the elderly be rational? (Lawrence Nelson).- Clinical criteria for rational suicide in the elderly.- Who are the elderly who want to end their lives?.- Existential issues in late-life rational suicide.- Psychological issues in late-life rational suicide (Elissa Kolva).- Psychodynamic issues in late-life rational suicide (Balasubramaniam).- Terminal mental illness and the wish to die (Barbara Sommer).- The impact of spirituality on the rationality of suicide.- The impact of psychotherapy on the rationality of suicide (Elissa Kolva).- The impact of psychopharmacology on the rationality of suicide (Balasubramaniam).- Commentary.