On April 24th, we will begin a discussion of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 8, Chapters XIV & XV. The following chapter summaries were prepared by Manu Jaaskelainen.
Ch. XIV Medical Course at Urban Hospital -
Lecture No. 8 is again a case study with a demonstration. Adler describes a case of a woman, 34 who is depressed. General diagnostic categories do not play a great role in IP, because the experience of the individual, his/her personality, his/her history, life style, and life goals are the most important aspects, not the general diagnostic categories. However, this lecture contains a brief study of the concept of cyclothymic disorder; Adler expresses his skepticism about this idea. The client has attempted suicide. Adler points out that the client eats now more than earlier, and has gained some weight; this is a positive sign. Adler tries to encourage the client to think more about other people than about herself, e.g. about her friends.
Ch. XV
Lecture No. 9 is again based on a case study, a woman, 30. This lecture is even more interesting than some others, because here is a vivid description of a discussion between Adler and Freud concerning a case of suspected epilepsy. At first, the client was treated by Freud; then, a conflict emerged between her and Freud. Freud said that the client is very hysterical. Adler continued the therapy and was seemingly successful. The discussion between Adler and the client is very interesting. The client is very much on the defense, but Adler is able to give small hints to her what she should think about - there is again this responsibility of the client to do her homework and to try help herself.
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