1st Edition

Matrix of Hysteria Psychoanalysis of the Struggle Between the Sexes Enacted in the Body

By Nitza Yarom Copyright 2005
    254 Pages
    by Routledge

    The current diversity in psychoanalytic theories of hysteria has confused our understanding of the concept. Matrix of Hysteria offers a new perspective, which draws on previous theories to present a clear and cohesive view of the theoretical and clinical aspects of hysteria.
    Drawing on extensive experience in analytic work, supervision and teaching, Nitza Yarom employs clinical vignettes to offer the reader an illuminating account of this subject. The book is divided into two sections, covering clinical and theoretical issues and including discussion of subjects such as:
    *Oedipus, Sexuality and Gender
    *An Intrapsychic Perspective on the Matrix
    *The Language of the Intersubjective Body
    *Hysteria and the Analytic Setting
    *Trauma and Hysteria
    Psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic psychotherapists in training and practice will welcome this original insight into the subject of hysteria.

    Introduction. Hysteria as an Intrapsychic and Intersubjective Event Reflected in a Matrix. Part 1: The Matrix of Hysteria from a Clinical Point of View. A 'Matrix of Hysteria': The Struggle Between the Sexes Enacted in the Body. The Transformation of Hysteria and the Construction of the Matrix. Characteristics of the Matrix. An Intrapsychic Perspective on the Matrix. Hysteria Between Patient and Analyst: An Intersubjective Perspective on the Matrix. Axis 1: Oedipus, Sexuality and Gender: Intersubjective Gender Vacillation, Split-Gender Complementarity and Mutual Seduction. Axis 2: Repression, Splitting, Dissociation and Fantasy or Mutual 'Not Knowing'. Axis 3: The Language of the Intersubjective Body. Conclusion. Clinical Applications: Case-studies. Sexual States: The Synthesis of the Hysterical and the Perverse. Paradigms of Perversion. Guidelines for Synthesis: The 'Matrix of Hysteria' vis à vis Perverse Phenomena. Hysteria and Psychosis: Sexuality and Madness. Sexuality: The Hysterical Dynamics Within Psychosis. Psychotic Organization and Hysteria. The Hysteric as Mad. Further Thoughts on Diagnosis and Treatment. How to Read the 'Matrix of Hysteria' . The Hysteric and the Borderline Case. The Hysteric and the Narcissistic Case. Hysteria and the Analytic Setting. Part 2: The Matrix of Hysteria from a Theoretical Point of View. Introduction: Reflections of Hysteria in Three Psychoanalytic Cultures. Reflections on Hysteria in British Psychoanalysis. The Kleinian Perspective: Hysteria Between the Two Positions. Perspectives of the British Independent School: The Failure of Early Mothering and Beyond. Reflections on Hysteria and Related Issues in American Psychoanalysis. Ego Psychology: Structure and Diagnosis. Object Relations and Self-Psychology: From Gender to Narcissism. Intersubjectivity and Feminism. Trauma and Hysteria. Reflections on Hysteria in French Psychoanalysis. Mainstream Psychoanalysis: Between Female Sexuality and Phallic Monism. The Lacanian School: The Hysteric's Question and the Illness of Juissance. Epilogue: The 'Matrix of Hysteria' as a 'Unifying Framework'.

    Biography

    Nitza Yarom