Approaches of psychoanalysis in the care of the elderly: an integrative review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: to map publications about the clinical psychoanalytical care of the elderly and describe their characteristics. Method: an integrative review was carried out, considering the period 2008 to 2017 using the following databases: Index-Psychology, LILACS, MedLine, PubMED, SciELO and RedALyC, irrespective of language. The terms Elderly (Idoso), Aging (Envelhecimento) and Psychoanalysis (Psicanálise) were used. The guiding question was: what scientific literature exists about the elderly and psychoanalytical clinical care? A total of 33 articles were considered. Results: five categories were constructed: "Elderly clinical care with a psychoanalytical approach" (15), "Psychoanalytical Approaches in old age” (9), "Psychoanalytical Interventions in long-term care facilities" (6), "Representations of old age for health professionals in the light of psychoanalysis" (2) and "Generationality and psyche" (1). The concern of psychoanalysis for the elderly is incipient and precedes epistemological issues, meaning that production regarding clinical practice is greater; in turn, there are fewer research studies, as most of the articles are reflective in nature. Conclusion: the published studies indicate the possibility of employing psychoanalysis with the elderly, as the unconscious does not age and symptoms are continuously updated. The timidity of psychoanalysis in contrast to the increase in the numbers of elderly persons may be criticized. It is also emphasized that the losses, the effects on the body and the reduction of social ties require adjustments in clinical care, such as the inclusion of group activities and activities beyond the analytical setting, especially hospitals, homes and LTCFs.