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[Conversion symptoms in childhood and adolescence]
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters der Rheinischen Landes- und Hochschulklinik Essen.
Praxis Der Kinderpsychologie Und Kinderpsychiatrie
|May 14, 1998
Summary
Psychodynamic analysis reveals conversion symptoms in children and adolescents stem from failed early triangulation, impeding individuation. This highlights challenges in resolving separation and dependency conflicts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- The concept of conversion has evolved significantly over 100 years, with ongoing re-evaluations in diagnostic classifications (DSM-IV, ICD-10).
- Psychodynamically-oriented diagnostics are actively seeking valid operationalizations of the conversion concept.
- Traditional psychodynamic concepts of conversion are being differentiated.
Observation:
- A study examined 45 children and adolescents (average age 14, range 8-18) treated for conversion symptoms.
- These patients received treatment at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the University of Essen.
- The examinations focused on psychodynamic factors contributing to conversion symptoms.
Findings:
- A strong interaction between oedipal and pre-oedipal conflicts was observed in patients with conversion symptoms.
- Failure to integrate a 'third object' during early triangulation impeded the child's separation from the primary love object.
- Individuation processes were impaired or prevented due to these early developmental disruptions.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that conversion symptoms in young patients are linked to a failure in early pre-oedipal triangulation.
- Inadequate resolution of primary separation and dependency conflicts contributes to the development of conversion symptoms.
- This research underscores the importance of early object relations and triangulation in healthy psychological development and individuation.