Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg wrote:
: I have, in psychiatric hospital practice, been intrigued by a number
: of patients, all female,  with severe psychotic depression who had a
: delusion that had as its theme a flood that would drown everyone, or
: closely similar content. A number of them also had delusions
: pertaining to their urinary system (usually of the kind that they
: could not urinate, that their pelvic organs were different from all
: other women). I have only very rarely seen this theme in
: schizophrenic delusions.
 
The theme could be indicative of a phobic response to getting
pregnant. Water is a symbol for motherhood in so far as water
provides life. The expressed symptomatology covers the reproductive
system in so far as 'pelvic organs were different'. Clearly, I
don't think it would be a stretch to assert that these women are
likely to be of child bearing age and may in fact share in a
phobia of becoming pregnant and giving birth. The delusion that
they could not urinate might mean that they fear that they will be
unable to endure the process of birthing.
 
: Now, The Flood is obviously a very important theme/fear in human
: history, considering its appearance not only in the Bible, but also
: in other ancient myths like the Gilgamesh epos. I find it interesting
: to see this image recur in severe depression.
: I would very indebted if you could share your view on the possible
: psychodynamic significance of this, and also if you could point me to
: any relevant literature.
: Kind regards, Andreas
 
Always remember what Freud said in terms of symptoms! Freud suggested
that symptoms are overdetermined and as such we can assume that the
theme of a flood is essentially an archetype that is expressed via
conflicts experienced with respect to giving birth. Moreover, the
key to solving the expressed conflict is in the perception that
these clients hold towards pregnancy. Please let me know if any of
these women are not of child bearing age?
 
regards,
 
Robert
--
   ----------------------------------------- Carleton University ----------
               Robert G. White               Dept. of Psychology
                                             Ottawa, Ontario. CANADA
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