PERSONALITY DISORDERS AND GENESIS OF TRAUMA EXISTENTIAL ANALYSIS OF TRAUMATISED PERSONALITY DISORDERS

The topic of traumatizing has a particularly great, existential relevance. In existential analysis the specificity of grave traumatizing is considered to be the experience of "horror" at seeing the abysmal side of one's being (instead of the void). This central experience in traumatizing is looked at on two levels. The process level is examined via an analysis of the self-structure, with the existential-analytical model of self-structure being close to the one propounded by Ch. Sharfetter. On the structural level all four fundamental dimensions of fulfilled existence are touched by grave traumatizing. This explains the genesis of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as well as the high comorbidity factor of this disorder. As a direct consequence of trauma the interaction with the existential structure is reduced, causing a loss of world, relationship, self and future. Characteristic coping reactions accompany all experience - above all the death-feigning reflex and activism on the first fundamental motivation. Therapy must restructure the existential fundamental references and the functioning of the person. The model of the fundamental motivations provides specific terapevtic steps to overcome the existential deracination and to mobilise the functions of the person with the help of non-specific factors such as dialogue and encounter.