Psychoanalysis - Topographical Theory of Mind - Psychiatry

Psychoanalysis is an essential part of understanding the human mind and its complexities. It helps in the assessment and treatment of various psychological and psychiatric disorders. It provides insights into the patient's psyche and helps psychiatrists gain insight into the patient's unconscious mind and past experiences, which can help develop an effective treatment plan.

In this blog we’ll cover the topographical theory of mind by Sigmund Freud and Delirium. Read on.

Introduction to Topographical Theory of Mind (Psychoanalysis)

The topographical theory of mind was given by Sigmund Freud. He is also known as Father of Psychoanalysis.

Childhood experiences and unconscious internal conflicts are the main factors responsible for development of psychiatric disorders.

Sigmund Freud Proposed Ways Of Moving Unconscious Things to Conscious Mind by certain methods:

• Free association (Patient is asked to speak whatever is coming in his mind putting any filter)
• Interpretation of dreams (Dreams are The Royal Road to the Unconscious)
• Abreaction- Recall of memory with release of emotions - usually seen in psychoanalysis.

2. Structural theory Of mind

The theory of structural theory of mind was given by Sigmund Freus as well. he described certain principles here:

• ID: Instincts, pleasure principle
• Ego: Reality principle
• Superego: Moral principle

Defense Mechanisms 

These are mechanisms used by ego to prevent buildup of exercise anxiety. They are unconscious)

• Displacement: Transfer of emotions from one individual to another (Primary defense mechanism used in Phobia)
• Reaction Formation: Transforming an impulse into its exact opposite behavior. Eg. beating other couples on valentine day because girlfriend refuses to go with you.
• Isolation of Affect: Removing feeling association with a stressful event.
• Undoing: An act to nullify the previous act.
• Aim Inhibition: Accepting partial fulfillment of desire. for example a Student desires to become doctor but due to failed NEET attempt so, he chooses to be veterinarian doctor.
• All these defense mechanisms are used in the development of OCD.

Also Read: Separation Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Psychosocial Stage Of Development

The psychosocial stages of development were also given by Sigmund Freud.

• Oral stage lasts in a baby for about 0-1.5 years or 18 months.
• Anal stage is 1.5 yrs. – 3 yrs long and the Fixation at anal stage results in OCD according to Sigmund Freud.
• Phallic Stage lasts from 3 yrs. upto 5 years
  • Oedipus Complex: Male child develops sexual feeling towards the mother and develops aggression towards the father - this complex resolved when child makes the father as role model.
  • Electra Complex: Female child develops sexual feeling for the father and develops aggression towards mother. this complex is resolved when the female makes her mother as her role model.
• Neurosis
• Latent Stage (5-12 yrs) focused on learning and gaining skills
• Genital Stage (12 years till young adulthood)

Mental Health Care Act, 2017

Following are the major updates from the mental health care act, 2017

• Advanced Directive: Way he wishes to be treated/ not treated for a mental illness; in case he loses capacity to take mental health care decisions in future.
• Nominated Representative: Assign a person for the responsibility to take care of yourself.
• Ban on Direct Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT) (No use of anesthesia and muscle relaxants), Govt. has banned all types of (direct, indirect) ECT in minors. Ban on ECT in minors (Can be done by taking permission from a Mental Health Review Board)
• Ban on psychosurgery : Can be done by taking permission from a Mental health review board)
• Decriminalization of suicide: Sec 309 IPC

Organic Mental Disorder: Delirium

Delirium is the most common acute organic mental disorder. 

• Disturbances of consciousness are the most importan symptom of delirium. it can include symptoms like Confusion, altered sensorium, and clouding of consciousness 
• Disorientation to time, place and person
• Hallucination is the most common Visual disturbance to occur.

Investigation finding in delirium

Diffuses slowing on EEG is the most common and important EEG finding of delirium. Alcohol withdrawal delirium and BZD withdrawal delirium where there is fast activity on EEG.

Important Information

• Exception: Alcohol withdrawal delirium and BZD withdrawal delirium where there is fast activity on EEG.

Difference Between Delirium And Dementia

Important Information

• Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology.

Previous year Question

Q. Most common acute organic mental disorder?                (FMGE Dec 2018)

A. Delirium 

B. Dementia 

C. Amnesia 

D. Anxiety Disorder

Correct Answer: A. Delirium

Previous year Questions

Q. Freud’s theory of dream work, includes all except? (NEET Jan 2018)

A. Displacement

B. Condensation

C. Symbolization

D. Confabulation

Q. Oedipus Complex is seen in? (JIPMER Nov 2017)

A. Girl 1 to 3 yrs.

B. Girl 3 to 5 yrs. 

C. Boys 1 to 3 yrs.

D. Boys 3 to 5 yrs.

Q. Provisions of WHO mental action gap are all, except: (AIIMS Nov 2018)

A. Human rights 

B. Communication regarding care and carrier

C. Screening family members 

D. Social support

Also Read: Absence Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Also Read: Binge-Eating Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention And Complications

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