Elektra complex in dissociative identity disorder: A case report
Pushpendra Kumar Jain, Varchasvi Mudgal, Ujwal Sardesai, V. S. Pal
European Psychiatry April 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1815 via OpenAlex
Summary
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is rare despite its popularity in the public imagination. A 30-year-old woman from a low socioeconomic background presented with episodic altered behavior. Evaluation confirmed DID, and treatment combined psychotherapy facilitated by hypnosis, escitalopram (up to 20 mg daily), and a short course of clonazepam. The patient improved, with decreased Dissociative Experiences Scale scores. The authors suggest that unconscious conflicts, such as the Elektra complex in Freudian theory, may underlie DID. They urge clinicians, especially in countries like India where trance and possession syndromes are common, to consider DID as a differential diagnosis.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report with literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 30-year-old female housewife from low socioeconomic status in India |
| Keywords | Dissociative identity disorder Psychology Borderline personality disorder Psychotherapist Dissociative disorders |
| Key finding | A patient with dissociative identity disorder improved with psychotherapy facilitated by hypnosis and medication, suggesting the relevance of unconscious conflicts like the Elektra complex. |
Abstract
Introduction Dissociative identity disorder is a quite popular psychiatric diagnosis in general public but in actuality has a very low prevalence rate. Dissociative identity disorders are characterized by disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states with its own memories, behaviour, and preferences. Objectives Authors present a case report about a patient of Dissociative identity disorder with Elektra complex as unconscious conflict. Methods A case report along with literature review forms the basis of discussion. Results Mrs A, 30 years female, a housewife, belonging to low socioeconomic status, reported to the OPD, along with her husband. About 1 year ago her family members noticed that her behaviour and action became altered. Such alteration in behaviour was only episodic. A detailed evaluation was done and a diagnosis of Dissociative identity disorder was established. The treatment included psychotherapy facilitated by hypnosis addressing the conflict along with escitalopram 10 mg once a day and clonazepam 0.5mg at night, clonazepam was tapered and stopped within 1 month while escitalopram was hiked upto 20 mg and patient improved along with decrease DES scores. Conclusions In Freudian psychology the girl child identifies with her mother and represses her sexual feelings toward her father commonly known as the Elektra complex. In spite of trance and possession syndrome being more prevalent in countries like India, we urge to keep dissociative identity disorder as a differential in order to catch the eye of the clinicians and researchers on the recognition of clinical manifestation and exploration of therapeutic strategies. Disclosure No significant relationships.