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Psychoanalysis of COVID-19 Patient Narratives: A Descriptive Study.
Deng, Yu; Xie, Luxue; Wang, Li; Chen, Yaokai.
  • Deng Y; College of Language Intelligence, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China.
  • Xie L; School of English Studies, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China.
  • Wang L; Science and Education Department, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China.
  • Chen Y; Department of Infection Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 59(4)2023 Apr 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2294158
ABSTRACT
Background and

Objectives:

COVID-19 patients are a psychologically vulnerable patient group who suffer from both physical symptoms and psychological problems. The present study is a psychoanalytic investigation of COVID-19 patients utilizing Lacan's desire theory. We aimed to explore the manner in which patients' desire is presented in their lived experience narratives and sought to discover factors which directly impacted on this process. Materials and

Methods:

In-depth semi-structural interviews were conducted with 36 COVID-19 patients in China. During each interview, participants narrated their lived experiences of COVID-19 infection. Emotions, metaphors, and behaviors in patient narratives were collated as the main points for psychoanalysis.

Results:

Our findings demonstrated that the desire for being a healthy person made patients emotionally sensitive to the social environment. Anxiety and obsessive behaviors emerged in the process, which reveals their desire for that which they lack. Furthermore, public fear with respect to COVID-19 was somehow converted to psychological pressure on COVID-19 patients. Thus, these patients attempted to "de-identify" their identity as "patients". Positive responses of COVID-19 patients to the external world included admiring medical personnel, government, and country, while negative responses included interpersonal conflicts or complaints about discrimination. Following the rules of the Other, COVID-19 patients were influenced by the Other's desire in constructing their own image of a healthy person.

Conclusions:

This study revealed COVID-19 patients' psychological need to rid themselves of the identity of "patient" at the individual and social level. Our findings have clinical implications in helping COVID-19 patients to reshape their identity and to live a normal life.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Psychoanalysis / COVID-19 Type of study: Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Medicina59040712

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Psychoanalysis / COVID-19 Type of study: Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Medicina59040712