Psychoanalysis: Difference between revisions

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imported>Howard C. Berkowitz
(initially copied from psychotherapy)
 
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz
(To get complete rewrite to de-WP)
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Although there are some bodies of thought in psychology without [[Sigmund Freud]] in their legacy, most can be traced back to his work starting in the [[1880s]] in ViennaTrained as a [[neurologist]], Freud began noticing neurological problems in patients that had no discernible [[Biological process|biological]] basis. Seeing [[blindness]], [[paralysis]] and [[anorexia (symptom)|anorexia]] with no apparent physical cause, he looked towards the mind for answers. Finding some evidence that those who were [[mentally ill]] could exhibit physical symptoms, he discovered colleagues and teachers who were equally perplexed and interested in such matters like [[Josef Breuer]] and [[Jean-Martin Charcot]].
'''Psychoanalysis''' is a means of understanding human thought and emotions, as well as potentially treating malfunctions, originating with the work of [[Sigmund Freud]].  A [[neurology|neurologist]] by training, he saw symptomatology that could not be explained by the neurobiology of the time. Part of the reason psychoanalysis is sometimes considered prescientific, or even [[pseudoscience]], is the much greater modern understanding of [[neuroscience]]s.  Nevertheless, he did examine how what he termed conscious and unconscious thinking could affect a patient's world view.  
 
<!--Finding some evidence that those who were [[mentally ill]] could exhibit physical symptoms, he discovered colleagues and teachers who were equally perplexed and interested in such matters like [[Josef Breuer]] and [[Jean-Martin Charcot]].


Freud opened up a private practice in 1886 until 1896 that mostly treated women who showed symptoms of [[hysteria]] (which, at that time, was very loosely defined).  Using such techniques as [[dream interpretation]], [[free association]], [[transference]] and analysis of the [[id, ego and superego]], his colleagues developed a system of psychotherapy termed ''[[psychoanalysis]]''.  Students and colleagues of his such as [[Alfred Adler]], [[Otto Rank]], and [[Carl Jung]] became psychoanalysts themselves, and formed their own differentiating systems of psychotherapy. These were all later termed under a more broad label of ''[[psychodynamic]]'', meaning anything that involved the [[psyche]]'s [[conscious]]/[[unconscious]] influence on external relationships and the self. [[Psychodynamic psychotherapy]] and [[psychoanalysis]] are considered to be particularly effective at treating certain [[mental disorders]], such as [[personality disorders]] and [[mood disorders]]. However, these methods require hundreds of sessions over a period of several years.
Freud opened up a private practice in 1886 until 1896 that mostly treated women who showed symptoms of [[hysteria]] (which, at that time, was very loosely defined).  Using such techniques as [[dream interpretation]], [[free association]], [[transference]] and analysis of the [[id, ego and superego]], his colleagues developed a system of psychotherapy termed ''[[psychoanalysis]]''.  Students and colleagues of his such as [[Alfred Adler]], [[Otto Rank]], and [[Carl Jung]] became psychoanalysts themselves, and formed their own differentiating systems of psychotherapy. These were all later termed under a more broad label of ''[[psychodynamic]]'', meaning anything that involved the [[psyche]]'s [[conscious]]/[[unconscious]] influence on external relationships and the self. [[Psychodynamic psychotherapy]] and [[psychoanalysis]] are considered to be particularly effective at treating certain [[mental disorders]], such as [[personality disorders]] and [[mood disorders]]. However, these methods require hundreds of sessions over a period of several years.
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Current psychodynamic approaches continue to develop and change.  Contemporary Freudian approaches usually retain Freud's emphasis on sexuality, aggression, and mental conflict, and often prefer insight-oriented, uncovering psychotherapy to more supportive techniques.  Contemporary Freudians, for the most part, continue to believe that psychotherapy is most effective when it leads to increased self-knowledge on the part of the patient.  Other current psychodynamic approaches—such as object-relational and self-psychological approaches—prefer techniques designed to change the patient's habitual patterns of living by building an especially authentic or supportive relationship with the analyst that is believed to help the patient learn new ways of relating to others and to life in general.
Current psychodynamic approaches continue to develop and change.  Contemporary Freudian approaches usually retain Freud's emphasis on sexuality, aggression, and mental conflict, and often prefer insight-oriented, uncovering psychotherapy to more supportive techniques.  Contemporary Freudians, for the most part, continue to believe that psychotherapy is most effective when it leads to increased self-knowledge on the part of the patient.  Other current psychodynamic approaches—such as object-relational and self-psychological approaches—prefer techniques designed to change the patient's habitual patterns of living by building an especially authentic or supportive relationship with the analyst that is believed to help the patient learn new ways of relating to others and to life in general.


The psychoanalytic community has recently begun to put extensive effort into researching the efficacy and process of psychoanalytic treatment.
The psychoanalytic community has recently begun to put extensive effort into researching the efficacy and process of psychoanalytic treatment.-->
==Major students==
Several of his close associates, including [[Alfred Adler]], [[Carl Jung]] and [[Otto Rank]] eventually broke away to develop their own styles of psychotherapy. Others, such as [[Karen Horney]], stayed with a Freudian approach but developed it further.

Revision as of 19:16, 16 August 2010

Psychoanalysis is a means of understanding human thought and emotions, as well as potentially treating malfunctions, originating with the work of Sigmund Freud. A neurologist by training, he saw symptomatology that could not be explained by the neurobiology of the time. Part of the reason psychoanalysis is sometimes considered prescientific, or even pseudoscience, is the much greater modern understanding of neurosciences. Nevertheless, he did examine how what he termed conscious and unconscious thinking could affect a patient's world view.

Major students

Several of his close associates, including Alfred Adler, Carl Jung and Otto Rank eventually broke away to develop their own styles of psychotherapy. Others, such as Karen Horney, stayed with a Freudian approach but developed it further.