Depression und
Suizidalität - Diagnostische Perspektiven

Abstract

Suicidality is a phenomenon which cannot be comprised by clear diagnostic criteria. From a psychiatrical perspective suicidality is not a symptom belonging to depression alone, but an independent phenomenon with a specific affective and mental state. The diagnostic clarification of depression in case of suicidality, first of all, allows decisions regarding the use of antidepressant medication, but not an individual understanding of the psychological causes of suicidality and suicidal behaviour. This understanding can be found in a psychoanalytical-psychotherapeutical framework, by analysis of the scenic construction of transfer-ence/countertransference processes, as shown in a case vignette.

Keywords:

Depression, suicidality, psychoanalysis, countertransference