The neurotic structure in psychoanalytic psychopathology

In psychoanalysis, the neurotic structure is a concept used to evaluate signs of distress.

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

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

Thus, what is known as "symptom" is a phenomenon that we could label as universal, which we all, at one time or another, experience subjectively and which produces sensations of discomfort, as well as being unpleasant and/or painful.

It should be emphasized that our "symptom" (which causes us discomfort) is easily understood and/or identified by anyone, since it is a conscious experience of which we are aware. However, its effects (what we perceive based on our own subjectivity) are more intense when experienced by someone suffering from neurosis.

Symptom, syndrome and disorder

Let us make a differentiation of the above by taking other pathological structures as a parameter.

In the most severe clinical cases, as is the case with psychosisthe symptoms are usually more bizarre and incomprehensible (as opposed to neurosis), due to the presence of severe sensory, perceptual and interpretative distortions on the part of the subject.

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

Let us be clear that the individual way of adapting and defending ourselves from the demands of our reality will have a greater influence on neurosis than on other pathological patterns.

From normality to neurosis

Let us remember that the separation between normality and neurosis or other mental disorders is not only a nosological problem (describing, differentiating and classifying diseases), but also one of magnitude. That is to say that the differentiation between normality and malaise is not only a nosological problem (describing, differentiating and classifying diseases), but also a problem of magnitude. depends on both the extent of the pathology and the characteristics of a given psychodynamic picture. psychodynamic condition.

At this point (and on the basis of the above), we can consider as valid the term of individual susceptibility, i.e. psychic predisposition.

The structure of neurosis

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

Furthermore, the configuration of a neurotic structure has its beginning in the events of the individual's original affective relationship, in the way in which he/she handles the emotions and the way in which he/she handles the emotions.In addition, the configuration of a neurotic structure has its beginning in the events of the individual's original affective relationship, in the way he handles his aggressiveness and sexuality, and also in his need for self-affirmation and self-esteem.

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

As a consequence of the above, the individual with a neurotic structure develops a dependence on the affection and esteem that others can give him/her, regardless of their value to him/her.The neurosis and the affectivity of the subject are the result of a neurotic structure, regardless of the value they attribute to the subject or the importance they attribute to him/her.

Neurosis and affectivity

As the craving for affection presented by the neurotic is practically voracious, he begins to experience continuous anguish, which translates (clinically) into emotional hypersensitivity, excessive demand for attention from others as well as a permanent state of quite uncomfortable alertness.

But something curious contrasts at this point: the subject's intense desire for affection is equal to his 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.

Cracks in self-esteem

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

Similarly, in the clinical setting it is not uncommon to find people of above-average intelligence presenting feelings of handicap and highly overrated ideas of stupidity, as well as people of great beauty with ideas of ugliness and very overvalued ideas of stupidity, as well as people of great beauty, with ideas of ugliness, or of defects that they in no way believe they will be able to overcome.

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

Mentions of trips made to different places, professional links and contacts as well as the general knowledge that the individual may possess about a specific area cannot be absent either.

Inhibitions of the neurotic

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

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

There are also disinhibitions such as disinhibitions such as aggressive, intrusive, dominant and extremely demanding behaviors are also present.. These people, being convinced of being right, can command and order, deceive others, criticize or denigrate without measure or control. Or, on the contrary, in projective form, they can manifest feeling deceived, trampled or humiliated.

The role of anguish 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, feeling of invalidity, various disturbances in their sexual life, feeling of complete inability to perform efficiently (or at least as they idealize) in their work, without noticing, obviously, an extremely important element: the presence of anguish, being this the basic (and main) symptom (and main) symptom that is found in the depths of their neurotic structure.

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

In contrast to the above, there are other individuals who, at the slightest hint of an anxious episode, react disproportionately, presenting feelings of total helplessness, especially if they associate ideas of weakness or cowardice with the difficulty of controlling themselves..

In general, no neurotic individual clearly identifies his distress, among other reasons, because the more threatened he feels, the less he will accept that something is wrong within himself and (therefore) must be modified.

An indicator of pathological characteristics

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 often vary from person to person or even completely absent, the treatment of anxiety is of great importance, since it contains the root of the conflict and concentrates its own psychological suffering.

Let us also remember that, among the symptoms of the different existing neurosis, the similarities between them are more important than the present discrepancies.. 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 psychic disorder, the first professional you should see is your family doctor. He or she will be able to determine whether the symptoms that set off your alarm bells are due to psychopathology, a medical condition, or both. If a psychological condition is ultimately diagnosed, the next step to take is to consult a mental health professional.