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HOW PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENTS CAN ENHANCE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE MECHANISMS

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The American Journal of Psychoanalysis Aims and scope

Abstract

Psychological defense mechanisms are a powerful and often unappreciated force safeguarding mental health. Although rarely directed in this way, the most common forms of psychiatric treatment—psychotherapy and antidepressants—can enhance psychological defense mechanisms. Psychotherapy, through both specific and nonspecific factors, induces positive perspective shifts favoring positive cognitive distortions, including adaptive classical defense mechanisms and healthy attribution biases. Antidepressants, by altering very basic emotional information processing, such as facial expression recognition and emotional memories, also foster positive cognitive distortions. By shifting perceptions and thoughts in a positive direction, psychotherapy and antidepressants improve the capacity to dissociate from negative emotional stimuli.

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  1. Brad Bowins, 2200 Yonge Street, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2C6, Canada

    Brad Bowins MD., FRCP(C)

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  1. Brad Bowins MD., FRCP(C)
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Correspondence to Brad Bowins MD., FRCP(C).

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Brad Bowins, M.D., FRCP(C), is a staff psychiatrist at the University of Toronto Health Service and he is in private practice.

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Bowins, B. HOW PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENTS CAN ENHANCE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE MECHANISMS. Am J Psychoanal 66, 173–194 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11231-006-9014-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11231-006-9014-6

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