Citation

Ronningstam EF, Weinberg I, Maltsberger JT. Psychiatry 2008; 71(2): 169-182.

Affiliation

McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA. ronningstam@email.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Guilford Publications)

DOI

10.1521/psyc.2008.71.2.169

PMID

18573036

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss and illuminate the problem of abrupt suicide in relatively well-functioning individuals without a major DSM-IV mental illness. A case of a man diagnosed with narcissistic personality, who first allegedly staged a suicide attempt and later, without overt warning, killed himself in the context of financial losses and divorce, will be discussed. The paper addresses how and why a life event can generate an internal subjective experience that evokes a sudden deadly self-attack. Discussion of eleven explanatory hypotheses serves to further the understanding of these seemingly inexplicable events. We conclude that additional studies are necessary, especially of the interconnected interaction between life event, psychological functioning, and neurobiological correlates to expand understanding and develop proactive treatment strategies.

Language: en