The neurotic structure in psychoanalytic psychopathology

The term structure allows us to study the subject of psychoanalytic psychopathology in a comprehensive and simple way.

Let us know that the symptoms, (which are the main reason for consultation when someone goes to a psychoanalyst), generally refer to one of several symptomatic structures, and that neurosis is one of them.

Thus, what is known as a “symptom” is a phenomenon that we could label as universal, that everyone, in a moment or another, we experience in a subjective way and it produces feelings of annoyance, in addition to being unpleasant and / or painful

It should be noted that our "symptom" (which causes us discomfort) is easy to understand and / or identification for anyone, since it is a conscious experience of which we are To the. However, its effects (what we perceive based on our own subjectivity) are more intense when they are experienced by someone who suffers from neurosis.

Symptom, syndrome and disorder

Let's make a differentiation of the above taking as a parameter other pathological structures.

In the most severe clinical cases, such as psychoses, the symptoms are usually more strange and incomprehensible (unlike neurosis), due to the presence of severe sensory, perceptual and interpretive distortions on the part of the subject.

On the other hand, if several symptoms are grouped under a fixed and defined pattern, presenting the same way in different patients, then what we know as "syndrome" (depressive, for example). But if the patient's condition is severe and his subjective discomfort considerably alters his psychic balance, disturbing her normal functioning, this becomes a "disorder".

Let us be clear that the individual way of adapting and defending ourselves against the demands of our reality will influence neuroses more than other pathological schemes.

From normality to neurosis

Let us remember that the separation between normality and neurosis or other mental disorders is not only a nosological problem (which describes, differentiates and classifies diseases), but also of magnitude. That is to say, that the differentiation between normality and discomfort it depends both on the extent of the pathology and on the characteristics of a certain condition psychodynamic.

At this point (and based on the above), we can consider as valid the term of individual susceptibility, that is, of psychic predisposition.

The structure of neurosis

The characteristics of a neurotic personality are identified by presenting an intense sense of internal conflict, as well as a great Difficulty harmonizing impulses, desires, norms and awareness of reality, which we can translate as a life centered on anguish and anxiety. unsafety.

What's more, the configuration of a neurotic structure has its beginning in the events of the original affective relationship of the individual, in the way he handles his aggressiveness and sexuality, and also in his need for self-assertion and self-worth.

On the other hand, the origin of a neurotic structure is highly related to the oedipal fixations of the individual, which (by their very nature) give rise to various fears, guilt, doubts and anxieties in the face of various events considered as stressful typical of a relationship, family conflicts or work difficulties.

As a consequence of the above, the individual with a neurotic structure develops a dependency on the affection and esteem that others can provide, regardless of the value they attribute to it or the importance they assign to the subject.

Neurosis and affectivity

As the desire for affection presented by the neurotic is practically voracious, he begins to experience continuous anguish, which is translated (clinically) in emotional hypersensitivity, excessive demand for attention from others in addition to a permanent state of quite alert uncomfortable.

But something curious contrasts at this point: the subject's intense desire for affection it is equal to your own capacity to feel it and / or to offer it. Let us clarify that it is not uncommon to observe a propensity to hide the need for love under a mask of indifference or manifest contempt for others.

The cracks of self-esteem

Likewise, the experience of life lacking sufficient love as well as a narcissistic satisfaction adequate, generates a constant feeling of inferiority and incompetence towards others and, consequently, the self-esteem it is diminished.

Similarly, in the clinical setting it is not uncommon to find people of above-average intelligence exhibiting feelings of handicap and highly overrated ideas of stupidity, as well as people of great beauty, with ideas of ugliness, or of flaws that they in no way believe they can overcome.

On the other hand, in a neurotic structure there is never a lack of compensatory attitudes on the part of the patient presented in the form of self-praise, constant boasting (about anything), explicit display of his economic capacity as well as his power and influence within his circle Social.

Mentions about trips made to various places, links and professional contacts in addition to the general knowledge that the individual may have in an area specific.

Neurotic inhibitions

The same way, the neurotic patient comes to present personal inhibitions of all kinds as part of his particular neurotic structure. These inhibitions can be to express wishes, complaints, praise, give orders of any kind to others, make criticisms (both destructive and constructive) in addition to presenting a serious inability to establish relationships with others individuals.

These inhibitions are also to determine oneself as a person, to know clear concepts about their own ideals and ambitions as well as collaborating in constructive work with sufficient autonomy.

I also know exhibit disinhibitions such as aggressive, intrusive, dominant, and highly demanding behaviors. These people, being convinced that they are right, can command and order, deceive others, criticize or denigrate without measure or control. Or, on the contrary, in a projective way, they can manifest feeling cheated, trampled on or humiliated.

The role of anxiety in the neurotic structure

It is curious to know that, in clinical practice, many of the neurotics who consult only seem to complain of depression, a feeling of disability, various disturbances in their life sexual, feeling of complete inability to perform efficiently (or at least as they idealize) in their work, without obviously noticing an extremely important: the presence of anguish, this being the basic symptom (and main) that is in the depths of his neurotic structure.

It is possible, then, to maintain a buried and hidden anguish without knowing it, and of course, without being aware that this is a determining factor for its treatment and well-being.

Unlike the above, there are other individuals who, at the slightest indication of an anxious episode, react disproportionately, presenting feelings of total helplessness, especially if associated with the difficulty of controlling ideas of weakness or cowardice.

In general, no neurotic individual clearly identifies her distress, among other reasons, because the more threatened you feel, the less you will accept that something is wrong with you and (therefore) must be modified.

An indicator of pathological features

Let us know that the neurotic structure of a person is the prelude to all neurosis and the determinant of its pathological characteristics.

Although the symptoms usually vary from person to person or even go completely absent, the treatment of the Anguish is of great importance, since it contains the root of the conflict and concentrates its own suffering psychological.

Let us also remember that, among the symptoms of the different existing neuroses, the similarities between them are more important than the discrepancies present. These differences lie in the mechanisms used to solve the problems. On the other hand, the similarities have to do with the content of the conflict and the disturbance of development.

Note: If you think you are suffering from a mental disorder, the first professional you should go to is your family doctor. He will be able to determine if the symptoms that triggered his warning lights are due to psychopathology, a medical condition, or both. If a psychological condition is finally diagnosed, the next step to take is to consult a mental health professional.