An accumulation of negative life events and the construction of alexithymia: a longitudinal and clinical approach.
We began the study with a theoretical comparison of the concepts of alexithymia and operative thought in terms of etiology as well as with a specific approach to comparing the concepts using the Rorschach Inkblot Method (Rorschach, 1921) with both Exner's (1986) Comprehensive System and the Parisian School (Chabert, 1983, 1987; Rausch de Traubenburg, 2000) methods of coding and interpretation. We then present a longitudinal clinical study of a woman suffering perinatal depression starting at 8 months gestation until 34 months postpartum. The case shows how an accumulation of stressful and traumatic life events in the early perinatal period generates a reactive, structured alexithymia. This psychic process transforms an initial acceptance of therapy into a refusal to engage in a therapeutic alliance along with persistent depressive symptoms, impaired quality of life, and maladaptive coping strategies.
de Tychey
Claude
C
Groupe de Recherches en Psychologie clinique et pathologique de la Sante-Laboratoire de Psychologie de l'interaction et des relations intersubjectives, University Nancy 2, Nancy cedex, Lorraine, France. detychey@univ-nancy2.fr
Garnier
Salome
S
Lighezzolo-Alnot
Joëlle
J
Claudon
Philippe
P
Rebourg-Roesler
Christine
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012392:Rorschach Test; D013850:Thinking