[Psychotherapy of neurotic disorders in older adults: a new doorway to life].

The general concept of neurosis in old age includes the classical forms as well as the ones specific to this particular community and, also, the reactions to social circumstances. This point of view practically covers the greatest part of the behavior that the ones we call "elders" usually show and almost drives us to give a psychological definition of this state. Etiology of these disorders is plural. It involves the role of the emotional past, of the medicosocial implications of ageing, especially regarding affectivity. Psychotherapeutic intervention needs a great pliancy allowing to interfere both on the pragmatic and the interpretative levels. The freudian prejudice build up on the impediment of psycho-affective rigidity hides the unconscious fears of the therapist towards his own old age as well as the fear of being questioned about his efficiency. A restriction in the means as well as in the therapeutic ambition is not underrating but rather valorizing his action in which he must show self-control and suppleness. This psychotherapy must catalyze the energy that the elderly displays in his quest of unity. It trends to give back the individual an unlimited opening on life.