This applied psychoanalytic presentation by W. Scott Griffies, MD, explores the phenomenon of murder-suicide in post-Katrina New Orleans. This presentation utilizes an object relational framework to understand the multidetermined causes of the murder-suicide. It highlights how disasters can bring individuals together in desperate situations, destabilize social connections, and exacerbate avoidant defenses through increased substance abuse. Furthermore, it reveals how such traumatic events can reopen past wounds, including PTSD and experiences of abuse, creating a mental health crisis that extends far beyond the initial impact of the storm. It also underscores the significance of interpersonal containment of toxic projections in the aftermath of a disaster, particularly for individuals with intrapsychic vulnerabilities.
APsA Publications

The Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association (JAPA)
JAPA is a peer-reviewed journal publishing original articles and commentaries, ground-breaking research, thoughtful plenary addresses, in-depth panel reports, and more.

The American Psychoanalyst (TAP)
APsA’s triannual magazine, TAP, offers a psychoanalytic perspective on current events in psychology, the arts, and culture for mental health professionals, students, and the general public.

Psychotherapist Newsletter
The Psychotherapist Newsletter features scientific programs and publications about psychoanalytic psychotherapy, personal reflections, social and community issues, and advocacy.
Find a Psychoanalytic Clinician
© 2009-2023 American Psychoanalytic Association | 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10168 | Phone: (212) 752-0450 | [email protected]