Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2006):

[Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and the ADHD-triad (impulsivity, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder)]

(Psychoanalytische Psychotherapie und ADHD-trias (Impulsivität, Hypermotorik und Aufmerksamkeitsstörungen).)

Full Abstract

A brief survey of the psychoanalytically oriented literature regarding the symptom triad of ADHD is followed by the discussion of frequently found disturbances in infantile development, attachment, object relations (regulation of drives and affects, ego functions) of the role of infantile trauma (object loss) and psychic conflict. In the analytic-psychotherapeutic process with a child, the ADHD-symptom-triad may manifest itself e.g. as intrapsychic conflict on the level of the self-representation or of the representation of central self-object-relations (characterized by an insufficient containing-/holding-function), as impairment of self-regulative functions, as inconsistent symbolizing capacity or as deficient regulating and controlling capacity of the ego. The multitude of factors involved does not allow a generalisation of neither the etiology or the pathogenesis of this symptom triad. This is particularly evident in a therapeutic procedure which is relation oriented. In a first interview the authors illustrate the capacity of a ten year old boy (diagnosed as ADHD patient) to make use of the analytic therapeutic dialogue and to present his intrapsychic experiences and problems in a figurative and narrative performance. Finally some specific technical features of low or high frequent analytic psychotherapy with ADHD children are shown: according to the foremost pregenital form of relations--manifested mostly by intensive self esteem problems, narcissistic aggressiveness and motor impulsivity--the transference and counter-transference movements proceed predominantly by projective and introjective identifications. Containment of the difficulties by the therapist is often paralleled for a long period of time by assistance in regulation and by limit setting for the child. Translation of action into language and transformation of intrapsychic processes within the psyche of the therapist into helpful interventions for the child require a continuous adjustment to the inconsistent ego functions and the fragile self esteem of the child. The additional use of stimulant drugs, the work within the family and/or the social context and the high need for research in the analytical field are briefly discussed at the end.

Author information

Author/s: Bürgin, Dieter (D); Steck, Barbara (B);

Affiliation: Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik Basel-Stadt. dieter.buergin(-atsign-)unibas.ch

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie (Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr), published in Germany. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2007-; vol 56 (issue 4) : pp 310-32

Dates: Created 2007/05/18; Completed 2007/06/29;

PMID: 17508702, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Affect Art Therapy Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; psychology; therapy Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use Child Child, Preschool Combined Modality Therapy Countertransference (Psychology) Drive Ego Humans

Humans Impulsive Behavior - diagnosis; psychology; therapy Infant Internal-External Control Life Change Events Male Object Attachment Psychoanalytic Interpretation Psychoanalytic Therapy - methods Self Concept Transference (Psychology)

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Stimulants (0)

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