Pierre Janet: La Perdida De “La Función De Lo Real” En El Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo, Psicosis Y Trauma

Abstract

In the following report the author remarks the importance of explaining and knowing the origins of the concept of “Function of the real” in Janet's perspective. The importance of shed some light on this concept derives from its current applications in the study of obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative symptoms. The “Function of the real" or “Reality function” is defined as the apprehension of reality in all its forms. It is the result of three main psychological operations, which are within a hierarchy of functions organized and united by a property called “psychological tension”. The weakness of this tension causes a deterioration of these operations and a loss of the reality function causing, as a consequence, various symptoms. The affected operations and the derived symptoms are: 1. The voluntary action that leads to compulsive behaviors. 2. Perception with reflective belief, which conduces to obsessive symptoms, assertive belief and psychotic symptoms. 3. Personification and presentification, related to what we now call trauma and dissociative symptoms.