Selected papers on hysteria and other psychoneurosesFreud, Sigmund
Science
Selected papers on hysteria and other psychoneuroses
Freud, Sigmund
Hysteria; Neuroses; Psychoanalysis
I still have another theme to treat which plays an undesirably great
part in the work of such a cathartic analysis. I have already admitted
the possibility that the pressure procedure may fail and despite all
assurance and urging it may evoke no reminiscences. I also stated that
two possibilities are to be considered, there is really nothing to evoke
in the place where we investigate—that can be recognized by the
perfectly calm expression of the patient—or, we have struck against a
resistance to be overcome only at some future time. We are confronted
with a new layer into which we cannot as yet penetrate, and this can
again be read from the drawn and psychic exertion of the patient’s
expression. A third cause may be possible which also indicates an
obstacle, not as to the purport, but externally. This cause occurs when
the relation of the patient to the physician is disturbed, and signifies
the worst obstacle that can be encountered. One may consider that in
every more serious analysis.
I have already alluded to the important rôle falling to the personality
of the physician in the creation of motives which are to overcome the
psychic force of the resistance. In not a few cases, especially in women
and where we deal with the explanation of erotic streams of thought, the
cooperation of the patient becomes a personal sacrifice which must be
recompensed by some kind of a substitute of love. The great effort and
the patient friendliness for the physician suffice as such substitutes.
If this relation of the patient to the physician is disturbed the
readiness of the patient fails; if the physician desires information
concerning the next pathogenic idea, the patient is confronted by the
consciousness of the unpleasantness which has accumulated in her against
the physician. As far as I have discovered this obstacle occurs in three
principal cases:
1. In personal estrangement, if the patient believes herself slighted,
disparaged and insulted, or if she hears unfavorable accounts concerning
the physician and his methods of treatment. This is the least serious
case. The obstacle can readily be overcome by discussion and
explanation, although the sensitiveness and the suspicion of hysterics
can occasionally manifest itself in unsuspected dimensions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account