Social Psychiatry, Vol. 54 No. 2, 2026.
Meeting abstract
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.306
“It Is All in Vain; No One Can Help Me”: A Case Report of a Patient With High Suicide Risk and a Personality Disorder
Katja Galić Ćaleta
; Neuropsychiatric Hospital „Dr. Ivan Barbot“ in Popovača, Jelengradska 1, 44317 Popovača, Croatia
*
Branka Vidrih
; Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Dalibor Karlović
; Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ante Silić
; Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Mood fluctuations, depressive shifts, and hopelessness
are common in people with personality
disorders. Managing their own emotions is a
particular challenge for this group of patients,
and working with them often causes frustration
among medical staff. The authors present
a 28‑year‑old patient whose attending psychiatrist
recommended hospitalization at his last
examination. Review of the available medical
records shows that the patient refuses to take
the prescribed psychopharmaceuticals and instead,
whenever he has the opportunity, turns
to self‑medication with cannabis in order to alleviate
the tension and hopelessness that have overtaken him. At admission, the patient is in a
dysphoric mood, hostile, and affirms the presence
of suicidal thoughts and ideas with a clear plan
for carrying them out, as well as a “backup” plan.
Toxicology testing confirms urine positive for
THC. He is admitted to the Intensive Psychiatric
Care Unit, where psychopharmaceuticals are
gradually introduced into treatment, and the necessary
diagnostic work‑up is performed. At the
beginning of treatment, frequent individual interviews
are conducted with the patient because
for hours he is unable to “stop the outpouring of
emotions.” After initial stabilization, it emerges
that he is burdened by a dysfunctional family,
feelings of inferiority, and a desire to establish an
emotional relationship. During hospitalization,
the gold standard—lithium carbonate—is introduced
into therapy, and his mental state soon improves.
Mood swings become less frequent, and
the patient shows interest in positive changes in
his own life. His behavior and clothing become
more appropriate, and he shows interest in helping
other members of the therapeutic community.
Ultimately, he accepts the pharmacotherapy
recommendations and, after a long period, becomes
employed.
Keywords
personality disorder; hopelessness; suicidality; lithium carbonate; cannabinoids
Hrčak ID:
353007
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2026.
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