'The dungeon of thyself': the claustrum as pathological container

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalysis
• Psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• The concept of the claustrum in psychoanalysis has evolved significantly since its introduction.
• Understanding pathological containment is crucial for analyzing psychic structures.
• The container-contained concept, introduced by Bion, provides a framework for this exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the historical development of the claustrum concept in psychoanalytic thought.
• To analyze the claustrum's role in pathological containment and its impact on psychic life.
• To propose a new model for the relationship between the claustrum and the container.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of psychoanalytic literature from Erikson to Meltzer.
• Examination of divergent developmental trajectories within classical, Independent, and Kleinian schools.
• Highlighting key intellectual influences, such as Esther Bick's work.

Main Results:

• The claustrum is conceptualized as a pathological containment within inner space.
• Intrusive projective identification can lead to impairments in psychic life within claustral spaces.
• Developmental and psychopathological manifestations include fear, separation issues, mourning difficulties, and claustrophobia.

Conclusions:

• The claustrum's evolution reflects shifts in psychoanalytic understanding of containment.
• A reciprocal and hierarchical avatar relation between the claustrum and the container is proposed.
• Further research into the claustrum's impact on psychic structure and psychopathology is warranted.