“Today Is Not a Very Good Day” : Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Treatment with an 83-Year-Old Gay Man

Abstract

This case presentation details the evaluation and treatment of an 83-year-old gay man with depression, alcohol abuse, and the misuse of prescribed medications. The treating clinicians highlight multiple challenges of working with such patients, including split mental health treatment and coordination of care with medical providers. The paper further explores clinical issues related to aging, depression, substance use, and character pathology. The clinicians discuss transference and countertransference feelings that emerged during the treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• psychotherapy
• gay
• aging
• depression
• transference
• split treatment

Acknowledgments

These papers were originally presented as part of a panel at the Annual Symposium of the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists in New Orleans, LA, May 2010.