Restoring psychic containers of identity after a suicide attempt in adolescence

Kernier, Nathalie de; Marty, François; Devouche, Émmanuel

doi:10.1521/bumc.2012.76.4.365

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 46 publications

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“…Y. Abe and N. de Kernier [6] look at sleep disorders during adolescence and explore the link between nightmares and suicidal ideation or gestures as well as the link between insomnia and depression. This research was based on international epidemiological studies that show a correlation between complaints of insomnia or sleep disturbance and increased frequency in suicidal ideation [7], sometimes leading to suicidal behavior [8,9]. The link between insufficient sleep and Insomnia and Self-Destructiveness in Adolescence: A French Psychoanalytic Perspective Moreover, during adolescence, passivity and passivation (also called passivity-distress by A.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insomnia and self-destructiveness in adolescence: A French psychoanalytic perspective

Kernier¹,

Abe²,

Camart³

et al. 2017

Neuropsychiatry

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Sleep disorders are the focus of numerous physiological, psychological and psychiatric studies, most of which are based on cognitive, behavioral and developmental models. The psychoanalytic model is not often used in contemporary research, in spite of the fact that dreams are central in psychoanalysis. This article aims to heighten awareness to the relevance of psychoanalytic perspectives in the research on sleep disorders. Indeed, the complexity of sleep disorders calls for a confrontation between different health disciplines and specialties. Adolescence is a particularly sensitive period and complaints of sleep disturbance frequent. Even though physical, hormonal and behavioral changes have an undeniable impact on sleep, we underscore the importance of exploring the intrapsychic conflicts characteristic of this period. The resurgence of sexual and aggressive impulses must to be worked through in order to fully understand the underpinnings of disturbed sleep. Based on research we are conducting at present, we first focus on the regression that takes place during sleep, with its corollary, passivity. We find that adolescents prone to sleep disturbances resist the passive position that comes with regression. We then show how this resistance to passivity is linked to a difficulty in expressing internalized aggressiveness and how the excessive retention and repression of these affects can transform them into destructiveness and self-destructive behavior. Sleep has a constructive and organizing function that is essential to dreaming, and dreaming is a container for the symbolization of sexual and aggressive fantasies. Sleep disorders hinder this symbolization and thus, the processing of intrapsychic conflicts. Working through these conflicts is however necessary, as otherwise they re-emerge and disturb sleep. This vicious cycle amplifies the self-destructive impact of sleep disorders. Lastly, we underscore the fear of death that is linked to sleep disorders and the unconscious associations between death and sleep.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insomnia and self-destructiveness in adolescence: A French psychoanalytic perspective

Kernier¹,

Abe²,

Camart³

et al. 2017

Neuropsychiatry

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Killing the dead: evolution of melancholic identifications underlying suicide attempts in adolescence

Kernier

2013

Journal of Child Psychotherapy

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Organic Illness and Psychic Puberty: An Accumulation of Trauma

Kernier¹

2015

The Psychoanalytic Review

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When an adolescent faces serious organic illness, two traumatic events coincide and reinforce each other. The Oedipus fantasy and its murderous component are exacerbated. Starting psychotherapy in these circumstances is a challenge. Teens suffering from serious organic illness rarely request psychological help. They accumulate aggressive impulses that remain unspoken but are self-directed. We will use excerpts from cases to comment upon the problems and psychical processes experienced by such teens. We will show how expressing murder fantasies can be a motor in psychotherapy. Such expression not only supports therapy but also relieves the patient and contributes to a new psychosomatic equilibrium.

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Restoring psychic containers of identity after a suicide attempt in adolescence

Cited by 3 publications

References 46 publications

Insomnia and self-destructiveness in adolescence: A French psychoanalytic perspective

Insomnia and self-destructiveness in adolescence: A French psychoanalytic perspective

Killing the dead: evolution of melancholic identifications underlying suicide attempts in adolescence

Organic Illness and Psychic Puberty: An Accumulation of Trauma

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