In psychoanalytic psychopathology, the neurotic structure occupies a central place in the understanding of mental and emotional disorders that affect people. The concept of neurotic structure has been developed throughout the history of psychology and psychiatry, and has been widely studied by psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, and Jacques Lacan, among others. In this article, we will explore in depth what is meant by neurotic structure, how it manifests in psychopathology, and what its importance is in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Origins and definition of the neurotic structure
The notion of neurotic structure has its roots in Freudian psychoanalytic theory, which postulates that human beings develop through various psychosexual stages, in which they face conflicts internal factors that determine their psychological development. Freud identified three personality structures: neurotic, psychotic and perverse, with the neurotic structure being the most common among the population.
In general terms, the neurotic structure is characterized by the presence of unresolved emotional conflicts, rigid psychological defenses and symptoms that cause significant discomfort in the person. These conflicts and defenses usually have their origin in the first experiences of childhood, and manifest themselves in various ways throughout adult life.
Main characteristics of the neurotic structure
People with a neurotic structure usually present certain common characteristics that distinguish them from people with other personality structures. Some of these characteristics include:
- Anxiety: Neurotic people tend to experience chronically high levels of anxiety, which can manifest in symptoms such as panic attacks, phobias or obsessive worries.
- Defences: Psychological defenses are a crucial part of the neurotic structure, since the person resorts to them to protect themselves from painful internal conflicts. Some common defenses in neurosis are repression, denial and projection.
- Symptoms: Neurotic symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but usually include emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or hypochondria, among others.
- Interpersonal relationships: People with a neurotic structure often experience difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, either due to their tendency towards emotional dependence, avoidance of intimacy, or difficulty establishing healthy limits.
Manifestations of the neurotic structure in psychopathology
The neurotic structure manifests itself in various ways in psychopathology, and can be present in a wide range of mental and emotional disorders. Some of the disorders most commonly associated with the neurotic structure include:
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety is one of the main manifestations of the neurotic structure, and can lead to disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, or panic disorder. Neurotic people often experience intense and disproportionate fear of specific situations or stimuli, which can significantly interfere with their daily lives.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) is another mental disorder that may be related to the neurotic structure. People with OCD experience recurring obsessions and repetitive compulsions that try to relieve their anxiety. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with their daily activities and cause great emotional distress.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder , may also be influenced by the neurotic structure. People with a neurotic structure may be more likely to experience depressive episodes or sudden changes in mood due to the intensity of their internal conflicts and psychological defenses.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or histrionic personality disorder, may have a neurotic basis in their etiology. These disorders are characterized by rigid and dysfunctional behavior patterns that interfere with the person's social and work life.
Importance of understanding the neurotic structure in psychological treatment
For psychologists and therapists, understanding a patient's neurotic structure is essential to providing effective treatment appropriate to their needs. Some reasons why it is important to take into account the neurotic structure in therapy are:
Addressing underlying conflicts
Psychoanalytic therapy focuses on exploring the underlying emotional conflicts that arise. lie at the basis of the patient's symptoms. Identifying the patient's neurotic structure can help the therapist better understand the nature of these conflicts and work on their resolution throughout the therapeutic process.
Selection of appropriate therapeutic techniques
The People with a neurotic structure can benefit from different therapeutic approaches depending on their individual needs. For example, psychoanalytic techniques can be effective in addressing deeper conflicts, while cognitive-behavioral therapies can be useful in working to modify dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior.
Relapse prevention
Understanding a patient's neurotic makeup can also help prevent future relapses by identifying and appropriately addressing symptom triggers. By strengthening the patient's psychological defenses and providing them with tools to confront their internal conflicts, the risk of relapses in long-term treatment can be reduced.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the structure Neuroticism plays a fundamental role in psychoanalytic psychopathology, and its understanding is essential to effectively address the mental and emotional disorders that affect people. By identifying the characteristics and manifestations of the neurotic structure, therapists can adapt their therapeutic approaches more precisely and provide patients with the necessary tools to confront their internal conflicts and improve their psychological well-being.