The Usefulness of Group Analysis in the Conceptualization and Treatment of ‘Personality Disorders’ and ‘Complex/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder’

Abstract

Personality disorders are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself. Some personality disorders also display features of (Complex) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Attachment disruptions in early childhood may result in physiological and psychological (trauma) difficulties. Attachment theory holds that humans are social beings and need relationships for survival. It explores the impact of early attachment experiences and subsequent interpersonal behaviour. This is in line with group analytic thinking, which holds that psychopathology is social and interactional in nature. This article discusses the application of group analysis for the above disorders. I shall examine dominant conceptualizations of ‘personality pathology’ and ‘mental illness/disorder’ and the implication for treatment. By incorporating neurobiological findings from trauma research, I shall propose ‘severe attachment disruptions’ as alternative and discuss implications for practice, illustrating the therapeutic usefulness of group analysis.