Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy For Dissociative Disorder: A Case Study In Rural India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.702Abstract
Patient Profile
24 years female, married, presented with multiple episodes of dissociation and hyperventilation,
Mrs. S.A. Such symptoms were noticeable after a stressful period and more so when she was physically away from her husband. This case provides evidence of Dissociative Mixed type .
Case Formulation
Presenting Complaints
Mrs. S.A. had filed episodes of transient loss of awareness and breathlessness, which was lasting about 15-20 minutes. These symptoms worsened during his absence and her previous episodes were in the last 6 years.
Psychodynamic Factors
The patient showed an unsuccessful resolution of the conflict of intimacy against isolation, this shows that the patient is at the phallic-genital phase, in client’s childhood there was disorganized attachment and the client manifests fear of abandonments. These coping mechanisms were unhealthy, with primary defense being dissociation.
Therapeutic Approach
Goals of Therapy
Specifically, the therapy was intended to decrease symptoms, improve memory, consciousness and identity and cultivate secure attachment as well as interpersonal skills.
Therapeutic Process
Intervention was 12 sessions of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy. It was on the creation of working alliance, assessment of attachment history, examination of early object relationships and defense organization, and brought in CBT approaches in a later stage.
Outcomes and Follow-up
Therapeutic Outcomes:
The dissociative episodes of the patient were not observed at the end of the therapy. The subject was more educated about her professionals concerning her attachment patterns, problem solving ability, and self-awareness enhancements.
Follow-up Plan
Subsequent weekly sessions aimed to report on behavioral and emotional changes, evaluate the quality of attachment, and identify changes in role expectations as well as to offer further support in the retention of gains
Conclusion
This case study, therefore, aims at showing how even brief psycodynamic psychotherapy can help dissociative disorder. Changing the patient’s patterns of attachment and defense mechanisms proved effective of which the patient’s symptoms and overall functioning improved.
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