Oedipal dynamics in panic disorder. uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Both research and clinical work have revealed factors that can lead to the onset and persistence of panic disorder. Preoedipal conflicts intensify the danger of oedipal longings for panic patients. Competition with the same-sex parent is linked with angry preoedipal fantasies and associated fears of disruption in attachments. Fantasies or actual successes can thus trigger panic episodes. Regression to a helpless, dependent state such as panic defends against the danger of aggressive, competitive fantasies and actual achievements. However, the regressive state can also be experienced as dangerous, and can be linked with frightening homosexual fantasies. A reactive aggressive oedipal stance can sometimes result, triggering escalating turmoil. The panic episode serves a series of compromise formations in dealing with these conflicted wishes.

publication date

  • January 1, 1999

Research

keywords

  • Oedipus Complex
  • Panic Disorder
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Psychoanalytic Interpretation
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0032757104

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/00030651990470030401

PubMed ID

  • 10586400

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 47

issue

  • 3