The Narcissistic Function in Obsessive-Compulsive Neurosis

Freud’s intrapersonal concept of anal-sadistic regression is set against the interpretation of obsessive-compulsive neurosis as a structural ego deficit. The interpersonal dimension that comes to the fore as a result of this, becomes clear if we focus on obsessive-compulsive behavioral disorder: Persons suffering from obsessive-compulsive neurosis lack the self-assessment factor. It needs another person as part of their own ego who accepts and supports them in their behavior. A clinical example illustrates this narcissistic function of compulsion together with the changes in the psychodynamic approach and resulting therapy. Against DSM-classification with the concept of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which contains an unspecific symptomatology that occurs both in neurosis, schizophrenia, melancholia, and organic psychosis, this article advocates the specific and differentiated concept of obsessive-compulsive neurosis.