The Role of Sexual and Gender Identity in Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy for Comorbid Social Anxiety and Depression in an Adolescent Female

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of significant change with social, cognitive, and emotional alternations, and growth of autonomy and identity. This is a single clinical case study that uses long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with an adolescent female diagnosed with comorbid social anxiety and persistent depression. The treatment initially focused on addressing the patient's self-esteem, perfectionism, and self-criticism. During the treatment it was revealed that the patient's sexual and gender identity contributed to social anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the therapy conceptualized the role of these identities as contributing to social discomfort which perpetuated her depressive symptoms. Through accepting her budding sexual and gender identity, the patient successfully became more comfortable in social settings which ultimately alleviated her depressive symptoms. This treatment highlights the unique nature of working with an adolescent apart of the sexual and gender minority, and how these identities contributed to her experience of social anxiety and depression.

Self-evaluation as an active ingredient in the experience and treatment of adolescent depression; an integrated scoping review with expert advisory input

“…Improvements after treatment on some aspects of self-image. Kurdziel et al (2018) [ 67 ] 1 100 14 University clinic Self-esteem and self-criticism N/A Diag. (DSM-IV) Psychodynamic psychotherapy Long-term psychodynamic therapy discussed as a method for targeting self-criticism amongst problems.…”

“…Ten of these examined pre- to post- measures of self-evaluation, using varying measurement tools. The remaining article was a case study describing the use of long-term psychodynamic therapy working with self-criticism amongst other difficulties [ 67 ].…”

Effect of short‐term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression: Clinical trial study

“…The bulk of these activities occur outside of conscious awareness and involve patterns of observation, thought, emotion, and action. However, because of our limited awareness, most of the time our subconscious attempts to reduce emotional suffering fail, despite being performed numerous times 23,24 …”

“…However, because of our limited awareness, most of the time our subconscious attempts to reduce emotional suffering fail, despite being performed numerous times. 23,24 Psychiatric therapy both supports the person in their distress and works to change how they feel while undergoing treatment. It increases both the therapist's and the patient's understanding of these themes to increase the patient's ability to withstand emotional pain, deal with discontent, and become involved in their experiences.…”