Notes on some non-psychotic hypochondriacal states

Bibliographic Data

ID20480937
AuthorsFrancesco Gazzillo (0000-0002-7955-3710, corresponding author), Marta Rodini (0000-0001-9613-8255), Gaia Piscopiello, Sveva Angrisani
Year2024
Volume33
Issue4
Pages241-254
Publication date2024-10-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Forum of Psychoanalysis (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0803-706X • E-ISSN: 1651-2324
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0803706x.2024.2385101
OpenAlexW4401798886
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited28

The aim of this paper is to propose a psychodynamic hypothesis based on control-mastery theory (CMT) about the self-punishment function of some non-psychotic hypochondriacal states. After a review of several major psychoanalytic hypotheses about hypochondria, we will show the main concepts of CMT, an integrative, relational, cognitive-dynamic theory of mental functioning, psychopathology, and therapeutic process that is the theoretical framework that has helped us understand and treat these states in our patients. We will then describe two clinical cases to show how some hypochondriacal states can be interpreted as self-punishments connected to three main kinds of guilt hypothesized by CMT: survivor guilt, burdening guilt, and separation/disloyalty guilt. Finally, we will discuss the implications of these hypotheses

Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

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