Psychoanalysis is a method of psycho therapy designed to bring unconscious material into consciousness. It was invented by Sigmund Freud to find out and treat deeply buried, unconscious problems. It is done frequently. It is an exhausting and expensive form of psychotherapy.
Psychoanalysis is useful in large number of mental disorders. It is however, not so effective in psychotic disorders as it is very difficult to communicate with such patients. Some important indications are:
Neurotic depression, Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis, Phobic Neurosis, Dissociation and Conversion disorders, Personality disorders.
The patient lies supine and the psychoanalyst sits on the head side so that the patient cannot see him or her. Usually a session of about an hour is sufficient. 4-5 sessions are practiced per week. The duration of the treatment varies from person to person.
The patient feels difficulty in bringing the unconscious problems to light. This difficulty is known as 'Resistance'. In order to overcome this resistance, the psycho-analyst uses three mechanisms:
1. Relaxation
Sigmund Freud discovered that the resistance of the patients can be reduced, if they could be relaxed.
2. Free Association
This technique was discovered by Sigmund Freud. It consists of letting the mind wander. The patient is asked to say whatever comes to his mind without exerting any conscious control. It helps to bring the unconscious things to consciousness.
3. Dream Interpretation
According to Sigmund Freud, dreams provide a means of expression for the feelings and desires of the individual. If dreams are interpreted rightly, we can find some clues to diagnosis.
Psychoanalysis is useful in large number of mental disorders. It is however, not so effective in psychotic disorders as it is very difficult to communicate with such patients. Some important indications are:
Neurotic depression, Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis, Phobic Neurosis, Dissociation and Conversion disorders, Personality disorders.
The patient lies supine and the psychoanalyst sits on the head side so that the patient cannot see him or her. Usually a session of about an hour is sufficient. 4-5 sessions are practiced per week. The duration of the treatment varies from person to person.
The patient feels difficulty in bringing the unconscious problems to light. This difficulty is known as 'Resistance'. In order to overcome this resistance, the psycho-analyst uses three mechanisms:
1. Relaxation
Sigmund Freud discovered that the resistance of the patients can be reduced, if they could be relaxed.
2. Free Association
This technique was discovered by Sigmund Freud. It consists of letting the mind wander. The patient is asked to say whatever comes to his mind without exerting any conscious control. It helps to bring the unconscious things to consciousness.
3. Dream Interpretation
According to Sigmund Freud, dreams provide a means of expression for the feelings and desires of the individual. If dreams are interpreted rightly, we can find some clues to diagnosis.