Abstract

PROTESONI, Ana Luz. Psychic functioning in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Psychodynamic formulation of clinical cases. Psicol. Conoc. Soc. [online]. 2017, vol.7, n.1, pp.123-140.  Epub May 31, 2017. ISSN 1688-7026.

Patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a progressive and irreversible limitation of the air flow. They have permanent symptoms with worsening periods and irrecoverable losses in function, requiring increasing levels of assistance. The aim of this research was to comprehend the psychic funtioning in COPD patients and their relationship modalities with their caretakers. A qualitative descriptive methodology was implemented to study multiple cases with 14 patients in advanced phases of COPD (oxygen-dependants), belonging to the Primary Level of Care (ASSE). Pychodinamic formulation of clinical cases (Varela, De Souza, Miller, Villalba, Oyenard, Zytner, & Bernardi, 2014) was used for the analysis. The following categories were analized: “subjective experience of the disease”, “interpersonal relationship diagnosis” and “conflict diagnosis”. It was found that patients use an explanatory model of the disease oriented to external factors, showing a limited capacity of involvement. They demonstrate a rational and indifferent disposition regarding their diagnosis and medical prognosis. They hold their self image as it was in a healthy state, showing a lesser adaptive capacity. They focus their suffering in the autonomy and independence axis. Main confict devolps around ideas of individuality-dependence, submissioncontrol and protection-autarchy. An interpersonal relationship pattern with dysfunctionalities in control and afiliation axes was found. Althogether, the study contributed to the comprehensive understanding of the health-illness process and allowed the assistance team to adapt their interventions.

Keywords : Psychic functioning; Pychodinamic formulation; Advanced COPD.

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