Lives of the Unconscious. A Podcast on Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Episode 15: Compulsion, Obsessiveness, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Jun 18, 2021

Delve into the fascinating world of compulsions, where everyday rituals can spiral into harmful patterns. Explore how seemingly harmless routines, like lucky charms, can evolve into obsessive behaviors. Discover the psychodynamic roots of these symptoms, linked to childhood experiences and fears. The discussion unveils how compulsion acts as a defense mechanism, helping individuals manage overwhelming emotions while creating a delicate balance. The battle between submission and rebellion further complicates this intricate psychological landscape.

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INSIGHT

Continuum From Rituals To Disorder

Compulsive tendencies range from harmless rituals to severely impairing disorders that feel irresistible.
There is no sharp boundary between normal and pathological compulsiveness.

INSIGHT

Magical Thinking Underlies Many Compulsions

Compulsions include intrusive thoughts, rituals, and mental impulses that often ward off feared outcomes.
Many compulsions operate like magical thinking, treating thoughts as causally potent actions.

INSIGHT

Rituals As Fear-Management

Rituals function primarily to manage fear, guilt and aggression by providing control and security.
The stricter the ritual, often the greater the underlying fear and fragility of control.

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Lives of the Unconscious

Summary: Everyone has their rituals that they insist upon observing more or less fastidiously and, if interrupted, would react to sensitively. From adhering to a particular daily routine, say, before an important exam or a date to athletes who cross themselves, put on their lucky socks, or perform some other ritual before competing. Among the so-called obsessive-compulsive disorders there is a set of symptoms that those afflicted must follow by virtue of some inner compulsion, even when they do not want to—and which massively interferes with their ability to enjoy and cope with life, whereby there is no sharp distinction between normal and pathological compulsiveness. Contemporary psychodynamic conceptions have worked out various aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorders and the psychological function they fulfil.

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Literature Recommendations:

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