Self-Assertion in Psychiatry

Self-affirmation in psychiatry: understanding the patient’s desire to reassess his own personality

In the field of psychiatry, there is a concept of self-affirmation, which refers to the patient’s desire to affirm the overestimated value of his own personality. This phenomenon is observed in various mental disorders, including hysterical and paranoid psychopathy, as well as some psychopathic states.

Hysterical psychopathy is characterized by a predominance of emotional manifestations, often accompanied by theatricality and an attempt to attract the attention of others. In the context of self-affirmation, patients with hysterical psychopathy may strive to create the illusion of significance and importance of their personality. This can manifest itself through excessive attention to one’s own appearance, the desire to attract the attention of others and an emphasis on one’s achievements or problems.

Paranoid psychopathy, on the other hand, is characterized by systematic and persistent ideas of persecution, delusions of grandeur, or delusions of importance. As part of self-affirmation, patients with paranoid psychopathy may strive to maintain and strengthen their illusory position in society by actively defending their beliefs and demonstrating their meaning. They may be hypersensitive to criticism and often feel that others are maliciously targeting them or underestimating their importance.

Some psychopathic-like states may also be accompanied by a desire for self-affirmation. These may be temporary conditions caused by drugs, alcohol, or other substances that alter brain function and perception of reality. In such conditions, patients may overestimate their importance and strive to assert their personality, regardless of reality.

Self-affirmation in psychiatry is an important phenomenon that requires attention and understanding from practitioners. Understanding this phenomenon can help diagnose and develop effective treatment approaches for patients suffering from histrionic and paranoid psychopathy, as well as other psychopathic-like conditions.

It is important to note that self-affirmation is not always pathological. In a healthy state, a person can strive for development and self-realization, setting goals and achieving success. However, with mental disorders, self-affirmation can take disproportionate and distorted forms, which significantly affects behavior and interaction with others.

Treatment of mental disorders associated with self-affirmation requires a comprehensive approach. Depending on the specific diagnosis and individual characteristics of the patient, various methods may be used, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and social support. The goal of treatment is to reduce overestimation of one's own personality and establish healthier and more realistic beliefs about oneself.

In conclusion, self-affirmation in psychiatry is an important concept associated with the patient’s desire to affirm the overestimated value of his own personality. This phenomenon is observed in hysterical and paranoid psychopathy, as well as some psychopathic states. Understanding and incorporating self-affirmation into the diagnosis and treatment process are important aspects that contribute to achieving positive results in improving the mental well-being of patients.

Self-affirmation in medicine is a person’s desire to prove his own worth, based on an overestimation of his abilities or qualities. Self-assertion occurs among many mental disorders, including hysteria and paranoia.

A person suffering from hysteria often appears smug in society and strives to convince others of his importance. This may manifest itself