Abstract

RODRIGUEZ SUTIL, Carlos et al. The psychopathological classification revisited from the psychoanalytic-relational standpoint: the hysterical / histrionic as a model. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2013, vol.33, n.120, pp.693-711. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-57352013000400003.

Nowadays psychopathological classification is characterized by a great complexity and confusion, which produces innumerable debates. We make here an inquiry focusing on the concept of "hysteria" as starting point, for it is an elusive and protean diagnostic term, which overlaps to some extent to the more fashionable - but not less fuzzy - one of "borderline disorder", as well as to other disorders, the psychosis for instance, making it a paradigmatic case inside the general discussion in psychopathology and psychoanalysis. In these times of positivist thinking the multiform presentation of hysteria has led to its discredit and virtual elimination from the official classification systems. However, when we use the word "diagnostics" for the personality we should not take it as a mere aggregate of signs and symptoms but as the appraisal and description of those complex behavioral patterns whose privileged level of analysis is the interpersonal relationship. When the relationship is the main area of maladjustment constitutes just what is called "personality disorder". We reach the conclusion that histrionic personality is, in spite of its complexity, a relational pattern with a huge presence in the psychotherapeutic clinic, in mental health and in other domains of the health care system, and that its accurate assessment and differentiation from other patterns will improve future classification systems.

Keywords : Psychopathology; Classification; Personality Disorders; Hysteria; Histrionic Personality Disorder; Borderline Personality Disorder; Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

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