¿Qué hace el Psicoanálisis frente a la ansiedad?
Welcome and Introduction
Spontaneous Meeting Announcement
- The speaker welcomes both familiar and new attendees, expressing joy in connecting with a diverse audience.
- This meeting was not initially planned for January or February but arose spontaneously, indicating the speaker's adaptability to emerging needs.
Context of the Discussion
- The discussion is prompted by a previous Instagram video on anxiety that garnered significant attention and numerous questions from viewers.
- A downloadable booklet was created to provide further insights into anxiety, reflecting a strong public interest in the topic as evidenced by high download rates.
Understanding Anxiety Through Psychoanalysis
Importance of Addressing Anxiety
- The speaker notes that anxiety is a prevalent concern across various demographics and settings, highlighting its significance in clinical practice.
- Plans for the year include exploring concepts related to demand and drive within psychoanalysis, particularly how they relate to patient experiences of anxiety.
Conceptual Framework for Analysis
- The upcoming curriculum will focus on understanding the relationship between demand and drive, aiming to clarify what "exigency" means within psychoanalytic contexts.
- This framework will help analyze how subjective experiences of anxiety are constructed, including related phenomena like panic attacks and distress.
Defining Anxiety: Symptoms and Experiences
Characteristics of Anxiety
- Anxiety is described as a state marked by significant discomfort, nervousness, restlessness, and heightened alertness without clear justification for these feelings.
- Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, irritability, memory issues, excessive worry, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), digestive problems, and muscle tension.
Challenges in Clinical Settings
- Patients often experience an overwhelming sense of alertness that complicates their ability to articulate their concerns effectively; this can lead analysts to feel pressured during sessions.
- The disconnect between patients' feelings of urgency and their inability to pinpoint causes presents unique challenges for psychoanalysts working with anxious clients.
Understanding Anxiety and Subjectivity in Therapy
The Concept of Delay in Therapy
- The speaker emphasizes the need to introduce a "delay" in therapy, which counters the patient's accelerated subjective time. This delay is not about waiting but creating a space for reflection.
- It is noted that telling patients to wait or slow down loses effectiveness after a few attempts; thus, alternative strategies must be employed.
- Introducing a "cut" or interruption in the patient's state of urgency is essential. This involves shifting from their current heightened alertness to a more manageable state.
Managing Patient Alertness
- The speaker discusses how to temporarily reduce patient anxiety during sessions, allowing for productive therapeutic work without immediate pressure.
- Anxiety is likened to the tip of an iceberg—it's symptomatic rather than the root problem. Understanding its origins is crucial for effective intervention.
Exploring Subjective Architecture
- The importance of understanding the architecture of subjectivity is highlighted. This involves recognizing where failures occur within subjective operations that lead to anxiety.
- The speaker challenges participants with complex tasks related to analyzing this architecture, indicating that it requires deep engagement and understanding.
Distinguishing Between Phenomenon and Structure of Anxiety
- A distinction between the phenomenon of anxiety (the experience itself) and its structure (the conditions leading to it) is introduced, referencing Lacan's seminar on anguish.
- The analogy comparing anxiety to fever illustrates how symptoms can mislead if not understood within their structural context.
Language as a Tool in Analysis
- Emphasis is placed on how analysts should focus on what patients say rather than solely on their feelings. The way feelings are articulated provides deeper insights into their meaning.
- Different expressions of similar experiences (e.g., heart palpitations described variably by different patients) reveal significant nuances important for analysis.
Significance of Word Choice in Therapy
- Specific language used by patients can guide analysts toward underlying issues beyond mere symptoms, highlighting the importance of word choice in therapeutic dialogue.
- An example illustrates how different terms can shift analytical focus from physical sensations (like heartbeats) to anticipatory feelings or meanings associated with those sensations.
Expanding Understanding Beyond Anguish
- Building upon Lacan’s work, there’s an invitation to explore both phenomena and structures related not only to anguish but also specifically concerning anxiety itself.
This structured approach aims at enhancing comprehension while providing clear references for further exploration within the discussed topics.
Understanding Anxiety and Its Structure
The Nature of Anxiety
- Ignacio discusses the concept that patients often perceive their anxiety as a physical issue, leading them to engage in activities like yoga and healthy eating to address it.
- Patients with anxiety believe they have a bodily problem, which drives them to control their symptoms through physical means such as exercise and meditation.
- Verónica points out that many psychotherapies aim to eliminate symptoms, contrasting this with the proposed approach of understanding the structure of anxiety.
Distinction Between Reaction and Response
- Anxiety is defined as a reaction to perceived danger rather than a response; this distinction is crucial for understanding its impact on individuals.
- The constant state of alertness in anxious individuals stems from an ongoing perception of danger, contributing to their distress.
Understanding Anguish vs. Anxiety
- In contrast to anxiety, anguish involves uncertainty about one's identity in relation to others' desires; it highlights the struggle of recognizing oneself as an object within interpersonal dynamics.
- The speaker explains how anguish arises when one realizes they are an object for another but cannot identify what kind of object they are.
The Role of Fantasies
- Fantasies serve as structured responses to others' desires, allowing individuals to navigate their identities and relationships more effectively than mere reactions do.
- Symptoms can be seen as responses that reflect deeper psychological issues; fantasies provide a framework for understanding these responses.
Implications for Therapy
- Recognizing one's role or identity (the "object" one represents for others) allows for greater agency in managing relationships and personal experiences.
- When individuals lack clarity about their identity (leading to feelings of anguish), it complicates their ability to respond effectively in relational contexts.
- Anxiety differs from anguish because it is primarily a physiological reaction rather than a subjective response tied to self-awareness or identity.
Conclusion on Fantasy and Reality
- The discussion concludes by emphasizing that while fantasies may offer comforting narratives about one's role, they can also mislead by creating fictional identities without real validation.
- This notion underscores the importance of distinguishing between genuine self-perception and constructed identities shaped by external perceptions.
Understanding Anxiety and Anguish in Relation to the Other
The Nature of Anguish
- The speaker discusses the deception involved in understanding one's objecthood for the other, emphasizing that anguish arises from what cannot be discerned.
- Anguish identifies a real point within the field of the other, suggesting dual interpretations of being an object: as perceived by the other or as part of their significant structure.
- According to Lacanian theory, anguish reveals reality within the other's domain, where danger appears as something threatening yet indistinguishable to the subject.
The Role of Objecthood
- The speaker illustrates how feelings of anguish stem from uncertainty about one’s identity for the other, highlighting a relational dynamic at play.
- This uncertainty indicates a failure to recognize oneself in relation to others, which is crucial for understanding how anguish manifests.
Fantasies and Their Function
- Questions arise regarding whether one should construct a fantasy when experiencing anguish or if there is a flaw in existing fantasies.
- Various types of fantasies are discussed: structured ones, those needing construction, and those that falter. A trembling fantasy suggests something hidden is surfacing.
Understanding Trembling Fantasies
- When a fantasy trembles (i.e., loses its function), it allows previously concealed elements to emerge. This does not mean it has disintegrated but rather needs restoration.
- Recognizing this trembling can lead to discerning additional functions beyond mere veiling.
Signals of Reality and Distance
- Anguish serves as an indicator that one is too close to reality embodied by another person; maintaining distance allows for better management of emotional responses.
- When individuals are distanced from reality through effective fantasies, they can navigate relationships more comfortably without overwhelming anxiety.
Exploring Anxiety's Anticipatory Nature
Distinction Between Anguish and Anxiety
- Unlike anguish tied directly to identity with another, anxiety involves anticipating becoming an object without clear identification of potential threats.
Subjective Perception of Danger
- Anxiety reflects a broader fear where subjects feel vulnerable across various contexts without pinpointing specific sources or individuals posing risks.
Importance of Discernment in Neurosis
- The ability for neurotic individuals to identify dangers linked with specific others enables them to establish protective boundaries effectively. Without this discernment, they remain exposed to undefined threats.
Understanding Anxiety and Its Implications
The Nature of Anxiety
- The speaker discusses the concept of psychosis, emphasizing that while it may not pose a concrete danger, the sensation of danger is real. Without discernment, one struggles to defend against anxiety.
- The individual reflects on their identity in relationships, feeling like an object rather than a person. This perception leads to creating narratives about why they are left by others.
- Anxiety can lead to restrictive behaviors as individuals attempt to predict where anxiety will manifest. This often results in limiting activities based on past experiences.
Behavioral Responses to Anxiety
- As anxiety escalates, individuals begin avoiding situations that previously triggered anxiety, leading to further restrictions in their lives.
- Each anxious trigger prompts avoidance strategies; for example, reducing social interactions or altering eating habits becomes common as individuals try to manage their feelings.
Adolescent Experiences with Anxiety
- The speaker notes that adolescents today often experience heightened anxiety levels, resulting in isolation and reliance on virtual friendships instead of real-life interactions.
Distinction Between Anguish and Phobia
- Unlike phobias which have specific triggers, anxiety lacks a clear organizing scene for the subject's relationship with others. It creates a generalized sense of unease without identifiable sources.
- In moments of anguish, individuals struggle to understand their place within social contexts but still perceive external realities functioning normally around them.
Fictional Constructs and Reality Perception
- The speaker explains how fantasies create a narrative framework that helps individuals navigate reality but can also obscure true feelings and connections with others.
- Fictions serve as protective mechanisms against harsh realities; however, during episodes of anxiety, these fictions become less effective at providing comfort or clarity.
Consequences of Unresolved Anxiety
- When faced with unresolved issues or fears (the "real"), individuals may construct elaborate fictions that provide temporary relief but ultimately fail to address underlying problems.
- These fictions can offer both distance from reality and moments of pleasure; however, when anxiety takes hold, this function becomes impaired leading to tragic thoughts about impending doom.
This structured overview captures key insights into the nature and implications of anxiety as discussed in the transcript.
Understanding Anxiety and the Role of Fiction
The Concept of the "Phantom" in Anxiety
- The speaker discusses how individuals often fail to discern their roles and the implications of those roles, using the metaphor of being a "handkerchief" for their mother's tears.
- There is a need to restore the function of fiction within anxiety, indicating that fiction plays a crucial role in understanding one's emotional state.
- The speaker emphasizes that the concept of "phantom," along with fiction and meaning, must be intertwined to understand anxiety better.
Fixed Roles and Their Impact
- The speaker identifies themselves as their mother's "handkerchief," illustrating how fixed identities can shape perceptions and relationships.
- This fixed identity extends beyond familial ties; others in life also perceive them through this lens, leading to an unchanging sense of self despite changing contexts.
Failure of Anchoring in Anxiety
- A distinction is made between anxiety and anguish; while anguish may have an anchor, anxiety lacks this stability.
- In moments of anxiety, individuals struggle to define what object they represent for others due to constantly shifting perceptions from those around them.
Interpretation Challenges During Anxiety
- The speaker illustrates various triggers for anxiety but highlights that no interpretation holds true value for the individual experiencing it.
- Feeling like a "handkerchief" is not pleasant; however, it allows some form of action or response. Without clarity on one’s identity or purpose, defensive responses become challenging.
Constructing Understanding Around Anxiety
- To comprehend anxiety fully, one must explore how phantoms are constructed—emphasizing that these are not innate but developed over time through objective operations.
- Questions arise about when phantoms are stable or falter; understanding these dynamics is essential for effective intervention strategies.
Distinguishing Between Anguish and Fear
- Clarification is provided regarding feelings associated with anguish versus fear; fear has an identifiable object while anguish does not.
- It’s noted that someone can feel both anxious and fearful simultaneously but distinguishing between these emotions helps clarify experiences during therapy sessions.
Understanding the Concept of the Phantom in Psychoanalysis
The Nature of the Phantom
- The phantom is described as a result of subjective operations, raising questions about what happens when it fails. Different failures lead to various clinical presentations.
- In conditions like melancholia and anorexia, specific operations fail, suggesting that diagnosis can be based on identifying which aspect of the phantom is compromised.
Analysis and Its Impact on the Phantom
- A key question arises: Can analysis disturb the phantom and induce anxiety in patients? It is noted that patients often enter analysis when their phantoms are already unstable.
- While analysis may not restore stability to the phantom, it engages with its instability, potentially leading to persistent anxiety during this process.
Understanding Anxiety in Relation to Fiction
- Anxiety serves as a guiding signal indicating proximity to danger. For Freud, anxiety represents something lost or removed from object A.
- The discussion touches upon whether each subject has a unique response (phantom), suggesting that while there may be variations, it generally remains fixed.
Fiction vs. Reality in Anxiety
- The structure of anxiety is also considered "phantasmatic," but differs from typical phantoms due to a failure in fictional capacity.
- An analogy involving horror films illustrates how anticipation creates tension; once danger becomes visible (like seeing a vampire's fangs), anxiety emerges because distance from danger diminishes.
Exploring Uncertainty and Tension
- In contrast, films that maintain suspense without revealing threats create ongoing tension; this reflects how anxiety thrives on uncertainty regarding potential dangers.
- Questions arise about whether moving through these fictions during analysis could disorient patients. However, it's emphasized that transferential support helps navigate these shifts safely within therapeutic contexts.
Understanding Transference in Psychoanalysis
The Nature of Transference
- Transference is described as a unique form of trust where the patient believes that the analyst will listen and address their suffering, despite not fully understanding the analyst's methods.
- In cases of panic attacks, anxiety reflects failures at the edge of emptiness, indicating deeper psychological issues that need to be addressed.
The Role of Anxiety
- Constant anxiety in individuals labeled as anxious suggests a broader issue within their perception and reality; it raises questions about how to manage this condition effectively.
- The discussion references "La niebla" (The Mist), hinting at its thematic relevance to anxiety and fear, although specifics are not elaborated.
Exploring Fiction's Function in Psychoanalysis
Importance of Understanding Structure
- Analysts must comprehend their work's logic and direction; understanding the underlying structure—referred to as 'the ghost'—is crucial for effective practice.
- The upcoming curriculum will explore various psychoanalytic concepts from demand to desire, emphasizing a structured approach over time.
Resources for Deeper Learning
- A comprehensive virtual classroom resource is available for students wishing to delve deeper into topics discussed throughout the course.
- Recorded classes will guide students on where to find additional materials such as seminars and podcasts related to psychoanalytic themes.
Addressing Anxiety and Its Implications
Key Themes in Psychoanalysis
- The relationship between drives (pulsions), anxiety, anguish, and panic attacks is highlighted as central themes that will be explored further in future discussions.
Closing Remarks
- Acknowledgment of shared learning experiences emphasizes community engagement among participants while preparing for future sessions focused on psychoanalytic demands.
- Participants can expect follow-up communication with details regarding ongoing educational resources related to psychoanalysis.