Literature Review: Depression From A Psychoanalysis Perspective
Introduction
In the world of today there are countless people suffering from depression, each for their own reasons. The purpose of this review is to provide an explanation of depression from a psychoanalytic perspective. The first paragraph will discuss the definitions and dimensions of depression and psychoanalysis. Following this, the second paragraph will discuss the different forms of depression that people experience. Soon after, the third paragraph will examine depression prevalence’s as well as different methods of treatment. Thereafter, the fourth paragraph will evaluate the weaknesses of psychoanalysis in depression. Lastly, the review will close by summarising the current knowledge on the topic discussed within the text and also indicate future areas for research.
Definitions and Dimensions
In the field of psychoanalysis depression can best be described as per Freud, the conscious and unconscious parts of the brain clash with each other, creating an anomaly called repression (a state where you are uninformed of having certain alarming thought processes, wishes or goals yet they impact you adversely notwithstanding). Overall, psychodynamic theories propose that an individual should effectively resolve early developmental conflicts with a specific end goal to defeat repression and accomplish emotional well-being. Moreover, psychoanalysis is the theory and practice of elucidation coordinated to understanding generally oblivious sexual longing, sexual joy, and the gender personalities of individuals. Furthermore, psychoanalysis theorizes human subjects as psychic beings engraved in dialect, talk, and social connections, all of which are principally oblivious either essentially or through a procedure of repression.
Forms of Depression
Equally important, there are several forms of depression which range from mild to severe such as major depression, melancholia, psychotic depression, atypical depression, antenatal and prenatal depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia and seasonal affective disorder. To begin with, major depression otherwise called clinical depression or uni-polar depression, alludes to particular instances of depression that negatively affect regular working and endure for more than 2 weeks. Similarly, melancholia is a more serious type of depression that causes sluggishness and an entire loss of joy in everything. Likewise, psychotic depression is an uncommon type of depression coupled with a twisted perspective of reality. Additionally, atypical depression incorporates inordinate eating or resting, a "heavy" feeling in the appendages, and being sensitive to dismissal by others. Further, antenatal and postnatal depression is activated by pregnancy or labour. Moreover, bipolar disorder includes unmistakable times of sadness and elated states of mind known as mania. In addition, cyclothymia is a chronic disorder with no less than 2 years of rotating times of low and high inclinations that are less extreme than major depression or mania. It can be depicted as a mellow type of bipolar disorder. Lastly seasonal affective disorder or S. A. D occurs in times of despondency that happen in specific seasons, especially winter, and identified with low levels of daylight.
Depression Prevalence’s and Treatment
Depression is most prevalent in Algeria, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan. In addition to this people most commonly experience seasonal affective disorder in countries that are predominantly cold, such as Scandinavia. Surprisingly, in regards to gender, females are more likely to suffer from depression compared to males. Further evidence indicates that 10% of pregnant woman suffer from antenatal depression and 16% suffer from depression after birth.
Moreover, in a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health it was discovered that 9. 5% of the population age 18 or older suffers from some form of depressive disorder. In addition to this, major depression is the leading cause of disability in more economically developed countries around the world. However, despite the prevailing rates of depression there is treatment offered, such as psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The therapy refers to a range of treatments that are based on psychoanalytic concepts and procedures which involve less frequent sessions. The embodiment of psychoanalytic treatment is investigating those parts of self that are not completely known, particularly as they are showed and possibly affected in the therapy relationship. Examples of psychoanalytic treatment include focusing on the affect and expression of emotion. This involves, the investigation and talk of a patients feelings; helping the patient to describe feelings, conflicting emotions, sentiments that are alarming or undermining and emotions that the patient will be unable to perceive or recognize. It includes acknowledgment of intellectual insight varying from emotional insight which reverberates at a profound level and prompts change.
Weaknesses of Psychoanalysis in Depression
There have been sharp differences among clinicians and examiners who have expounded on depression. There is significant controversy in regards to the classification of depression and a number of journalists see no legitimization for utilizing this psychological category by any means. The nature of etiology of depression is liable to significantly more strongly isolated supposition. A few experts battle that depression is basically a psychogenic issue; others keep up similarly as immovably that it is brought on by natural elements. A third gathering underpins the idea of two unique sorts of depression a psychogenic type and natural sort organic type. Furthermore, in consideration to the theory of psycho-dynamics in order to prevent misfortune transforming into depression, the individual needs to take part in a time of grieving, amid which s/he reviews recollections of the lost one. This enables the person to separate him/herself from the lost individual, thus diminish the internal coordinated outrage. Be that as it may, people who are exceptionally reliant on others for their feeling of confidence might not be able to do this, thus remain to a great degree depressed.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, depression if left untreated can be a dangerous disorder that reduces the quality of one’s and carries with it the heavy possibility of suicide. However, there are multiple treatments available which may either be through therapy or prescription drugs. In addition to this, depression is disorder that affects people from all ages, ethnicities and genders. Despite the fact that depression has been acknowledged as a clinical disorder for more than 2000 years there are still no totally agreeable clarifications of its bewildering and confusing components.
There are as yet significant issues with respect to its temperament, its arrangement and its etiology. For example:
- Is depression an embellishment of disposition experienced by the ordinary, or is it qualitatively and in addition quantitatively not the same as a typical mind-set?
- What are the causes, characterizing qualities, results and successful medications of depression?
- Is depression a sort of response or is it a disease?
- Is depression brought on fundamentally by mental anxiety and strife, or is it related basically to a natural unsettling?
