Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/psihei.2024.83
THE SCIENTIFIC BASES FOR MORE RECENT VIEWS ON PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS AND ALEXITHYMIA. THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS
Goran Tošić
; dr. med., psihijatar, psihoterapeut, grupni analitičar, edukator iz grupne analize
Gorana Bolić
; r. med., psihijatrica, psihoterapeutkinja, grupna analitičarka, edukatorica iz grupne analize
Abstract
The mind and the body are inseparable. The physical affects the emotional (and all other aspects
of personality), and the emotional affects the physical. In normal, as well as pathological
functioning of the body, there seems to be a constant two-way interaction between the
macro world (object relations) and the micro world (biochemistry and epigenetics). Between
these extremes lie the structures that transform one signal form (information) into another.
It is believed that the basis of psychosomatic diseases, in addition to genetic predisposition,
are inadequate early relationships with the caregiver. Such relationships create increased sensitivity to stressful situations in life, prevent the development of an inner calming structure,
and block the development of the “emotional self”. For this reason, in a state of stress
the emotions are perceived as primitive undifferentiated sensorimotor physical sensations,
instead of complex emotions with a signal function.
In a therapeutic sense, we emphasize psychoanalysis (psychoanalytic psychotherapy) and
group analysis in this aspect. In the individual approach, we address the connection between
emotions and physical reactions, transference and countertransference analysis, as well
as separation and individuation. In group analysis, group emotional reactions can be very
intense, which can sometimes evoke the rudimentary emotional states of a psychosomatic
patient who often suffers from alexithymia as well. The role of the therapist is thereby
important in order to maintain the balance between pro-group and anti-group occurrences
(which may lead a patient to discontinue therapy).
Keywords
object relations; psychosomatic disorde; alexithymia; psychoanalysis; group analysis; anti-group
Hrčak ID:
328684
URI
Publication date:
18.12.2024.
Visits: 755 *