Skip to main content
Log in

A patient's use of a tranquilizer: An effort at adaptation

  • Articles
  • Published:
Clinical Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper discusses the case of Ann W., a patient who could be considered to have been psychologically dependent upon valium. The patient's use of valium is understood as an attempt to compensate for failures in development. Theory that supports this view is discussed, and the treatment stance that flowed from such an understanding is presented.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Blanck, G. and Blanck, R.,Ego Psychology Theory and Practice. New York: Columbia University Press, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanck, G. and Blanck, R.,Ego Psychology II Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology. New York: Columbia University Press, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann, H.,Ego Psychology and the Problem of Adaptation. New York: International Universities Press, 1958.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahler, M.S., Notes on the development of basic moods: The depressive affect. In R. Lowenstein, L. Newman, M. Schur, and A. Solnit (Eds.):Psychoanalysis; A General Psychology—Essays in Honor of Heinz Hartmann. New York: International Universities Press. 1966, pp. 152–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahler, M. S., Pine, F. and Bergman, A.,The Psychological Birth of the Human Infant, New York. Basic Books, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, B., and B. Fine (Eds.),A Glossary of Psychoanalytic Terms and Concepts. New York: The American Psychoanalytic Association, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tolpin, M., On the beginnings of a cohesive self: An application of the concept of transmuting internalization to the study of the transitional object and signal anxiety.The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, New York: Quadrangle Books,26 (1972), p. 316–352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winnicott, D.W., Transitional objects and transitional phenomena: A study of the first not-me possession.The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 1953,34, p. 89–97.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Spira, L. A patient's use of a tranquilizer: An effort at adaptation. Clin Soc Work J 12, 152–163 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755665

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755665

Keywords

Navigation