Clinical Neuropsychoanalysis for Psychiatrists, Neurologists and Psychoanalysts
Description: This series of theoretically orientated seminars developed and delivered by Professor Mark Solms represents an experimental pilot approach to ascertaining the key content and material required for teaching psychiatrists, neurologists and psychoanalysts about clinical neuropsychoanalysis. Drawing on Professor Solms’ vast knowledge, this series tackles a broad range of theoretical topics ranging from neurotic mechanisms to the general principles of assessment in the domains of psychoanalysis and neuropsychology. Clinically relevant case material is also presented and discussed. This series effectively distils the vast area of knowledge required for clinical neuropsychoanalysis while acknowledging and addressing the knowledge gaps that exist in psychiatry, neurology and psychoanalysis.
Access: Video 1 is available to the public. Membership of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society is required to view the rest of the series. To register with the Society, please click here. If you have any comments, questions, or difficulties viewing videos, please contact Dr Ross Balchin at rbalchin@npsa-association.org.
Video 1: Introducing the Field of Neuropsychoanalysis
There are many aspects that comprise the fascinating field that is neuropsychoanalysis. But what is neuropsychoanalysis? What are the reasons for the great need that exists for this field? What is the meaning of the word metapsychology? What is the essence of the mind-body problem? This introductory seminar addresses these and other key questions that lie at the heart of understanding the field of neuropsychoanalysis within its current context. An illustration of a neuropsychoanalytic treatment of a case is also provided.
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Video 2: The Mind/Brain Relationship
Starting with a further reminder of the relationship between the mind and brain in relation to psychoanalysis, this video then proceeds with an extensive outline of the theoretical model of the mind from a psychoanalytic perspective. This historical account details key moments in Freud’s career that influenced his model and his methods. The video also provides a compelling account of the model that Freud evolved, describing it in relation to contemporary knowledge of brain functions.
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Video 3: A Neuropsychoanalytic Model of Brain Function
Building on the previous seminar, this video continues with the account of how the mind works from the points of view of both psychoanalytic theory and knowledge of the functioning of the brain from the various neuroscientific disciplines. The video also addresses the origins of consciousness and the role that the basic arousal system/deep brain structures play in the process. The brain’s basic emotion systems are also each described and explained in detail.
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Video 4: General Pathology of the Mind
Dreaming represents a normal model for mental illness. Consequently, this seminar begins by addressing the topic of dreams as a way of linking understandings of the functioning of the normal mind to those of psychopathology. It answers the question, ‘What is going on in the mind when a person is asleep and when dreaming?’ The seminar also examines, from the perspective of the model of the pleasure principle and primary process thinking, why dreams do not seem to represent the gratification of instincts, and why they are not always pleasurable. Psychopathology is explained in relation to a case illustration, which demonstrates the interaction between neuropathology and psychodynamics. It is also explained by drawing on conceptual understandings from psychoanalytic theory.
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Video 5: Psychopathology in Psychoanalysis
Beginning with a continued detailing of psychoanalytical understandings of pathology, this video then proceeds to explain in detail the key psychoanalytic theory of narcissism. This is followed by an equally thorough examination of the psychoanalytic theory of the superego and its formation. The psychoanalytical model of psychopathology is also explained in relation to three levels: neurotic, narcissistic and psychotic disorders.
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Video 6: Question and Answer Session
This seminar starts with a brief review of the content that was covered in the first five videos of this series. It then proceeds with an engaging question and answer session.
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This video involves deep insights into non‐fluent aphasic patients and neurotic mechanisms. It also identifies and highlights some of the key difficulties encountered when working with such patients; for example, countertransferences. Emphasis is placed on the importance of undertaking psychoanalytic treatments with such patients.
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Video 8: Narcissistic Mechanisms
Building on the topics from Video 7, this seminar begins with a thorough explanation of non-fluent aphasia. The main topic of this video is the narcissistic mechanism in the right hemisphere syndrome. Here, detailed accounts of the nature of the problem with such patients are provided from a psychoanalytic perspective, namely a disorder of the ego in the form of narcissistic organizations. The right hemisphere syndrome is thoroughly explained in relation to its key clinical features, and the associated right hemisphere lesions are also discussed.
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A detailed account of psychotic mechanisms is provided. The characteristic brain lesions associated with psychosis are identified and the relevance of understanding psychosis in relation to the dreaming process is explained. References to case material and clinical illustrations are also included, and psychosis is explained in terms of its two phases involving disavowal and the replacement of reality with a ‘patch’.
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Video 10: Case Presentation – A Patient with Hysterical Amnesia
A case of a neurosurgical patient with subdural haemorrhage resulting in haematoma is presented for the purpose of introducing the topic of assessment.
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Video 11: General Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment
Two mainstream approaches to clinical assessment are outlined and contrasted. Detailed justification is provided as to why the hypothetico-deductive approach is favoured over the psychometric approach. Various aspects of assessment are explained, including the history-taking process and hypothesis formulation and testing.
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Video 12: Principles of Psychoanalytic Assessment and Treatment
This video offers insights into the key principles of psychoanalytic assessment and treatment. The content is grounded in an explanation of the fundamental purpose of offering psychoanalytical therapy to patients. The golden rules of psychoanalytical therapy are outlined and the key technical concepts/preconditions that are involved in psychoanalytic work are identified.
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Video 13: The Psychoanalytic Treatment Process
The formal process of the treatment of patients using psychoanalysis is systematically discussed. The important techniques behind analysing resistances are outlined, as is the concept of syndrome analysis in relation to psychoanalytic therapy.
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Video 14: Therapeutic Technique and the Three Categories of Psychopathology
This final video in the series focuses in detail on therapeutic technique in relation to the various levels/depths of pathology. The topic of particular lesion sites tending to produce certain types of psychodynamics is also addressed. The seminar also systematically outlines the therapist’s key tasks when working with each of the three levels of psychopathology.
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