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Psychoanalysis & Depression

Psychoanalysis is a form of therapy that may help to treat a depressive disorder. A depressive disorder refers to persistent depressed feelings or recurrent depression that interferes with normal, daily functioning.

  1. Depression

    • Symptoms of a depressive disorder may include sad, hopeless or guilty feelings, lack of interest in pleasurable activities, fatigue, distractibility, suicide ideation, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.

    Types

    • According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder are the two most common types of depression. Other types include psychotic depression, post-partum depression and seasonal affective disorder.

    Psychoanalysis

    • According to the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA), psychoanalysis is both a theory of human nature and a therapeutic treatment of psychological disorders. Psychoanalysis attempts to reveal unconscious aspects of a person’s nature that may contribute to psychological distress such as depression.

    Features

    • According to the APsaA, psychoanalysis typically involves a patient sitting down with and speaking openly to a psychoanalyst. Principles of psychoanalysis include the idea that each person is an individual and that unconscious factors determine behavior and emotions.

    Treatment

    • According to the NIMH, depression is a treatable condition, and the most common forms of treatment are antidepressant medications and some form of psychotherapy.

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