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Unit 22 : Psychotherapy : Dealing with Psychological Disturbance

Today, psychoanalysts have a more comprehensive view of anxiety and in treatment, endeavor to Notes
precisely define the source of the anxiety (is it triggered by separation, by, exposure, by fear of
humiliation, by fear of success, etc.) Is there an unconscious conflict triggering the anxiety?

Anxiety is a universal human experience, but some patients suffer from anxiety disorders, which are
very painful, complex chronic conditions including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive, disorder,
phobias, and post traumatic stress disorders. In all these conditions, the person responds
physiologically and psychologically as if under a severe threat, even though they usually are aware
rationally that they are not in actual danger.

A combination of psychoanalytic treatment with other treatment modalities such as
behavior modification and medication can be extremely effective in serious anxiety
disorders.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is another name for manic-depressive illness and as the name suggests, it is an
illness of opposites. Although sufferers can experience prolonged periods of stability, they also pan
suffer painful periods of depression or disorganizing periods of “elevated” mood. In more severe
cases, psychosis can occur. In association with these mood states.
Toward one end of the spectrum is hypomania, which can be characterized by feelings of mild
euphoria and a pronounced increase in activity and productivity, rapid speech, and increased
spending Even more extreme on the same end of the mood spectrum is mania, which can lead to a
loss of coherent thought, delusions and hallucinations.
On the other side of the mood spectrum is depression which is usually marked by listlessness and
hopelessness. Severe depression can lead to inability to function, difficulty eating and sleeping, and
thoughts of suicide.
Because bipolar disorder is a biological illness, stabilizing medications are essential for treatment.
And as is often the case with such illnesses, psychoanalysis can’t offer a cure. But once a patient is
stabilized, psychoanalysis can help a sufferer come to terms with the illness itself as well as the
difficulties the illness has, caused in his or life and, as with any other analysis, to work with the
person’s ambitions, goals, relationship and work difficulties and conflicts.

The onset of bipolar disorder occurs most frequently in young adulthood.

Children’s Mental Health

Children and adolescents often behave in troubling ways that puzzle and worry their parents teachers
and friends. Sometimes this behavior is symptomatic of passing problems or temporary stresses
and it eventually disappears. But sometimes the troubles do not go away themselves. Rather than
feeling guilty or helpless when faced with a child whose behavior cannot be explained or modified,
parents and guardians can turn to psychoanalysis for assistance.
Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy conducted four or five times a week in appointments
usually lasting 45-50 minutes. The child or adolescent has time and space to use words, play or
action in the relationship with the analyst to express problems, which can then be understood and

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