The investigation of eczema patients' psychosomatic functioning in relation to the skin ego theory

The psychosomatic nature of eczema as a skin disease is discussed by several sources. This thesis aims at investigating the psychic foundings related to the psychoanalytic theoretical framework in detail. Psychic functioning of 15 chronic eczema patients resisting medical treatment was assessed by a brief interview and projective tests. Data of the Rorschach and Thematic Apperception Test was evaluated according to the Parisian School. Besides investigating patients' psychosomatic functioning, since the disease in question is located on the skin, Didier Anzieu's skin ego theory was included within the studies. The skin forms an interface between mother and infant during the early periods of life. Along with the fulfilment of physical and emotional needs by the mother, libidinal transference takes place. During the onset of skin diseases quality of maternal functions was questioned and studied by the hypotheses. At the same time, the hypotheses touched upon body related anxieties and quality of limits which are linked to psychosomatic functioning. The Rorschach subscale Barrier and Penetration Index developed by Fisher and Cleveland was used in order to assess patients' psychical and physical boundaries. The hypotheses were supported to a great extent. Deficiencies in the skin ego organization were linked to insufficient maternal functions. It was found that in addition to anxieties related to the body intern, fears of body fragmentation were experienced. Fisher and Cleveland empathized during their studies that a skin disease serves as a barrier against excitation. The results of this study show that eczema patients' psychical boundaries include barrier and penetration features simultaneously.