Last update:
   11-Nov-2004
 

Arch Hellen Med, 21(4), July-August 2004, 391-396

HISTORY OF MEDICINE

Elements of the Freudian theory in Byzantium

N. THEOCHARAKIS,1 D. DAMIGOS,1 V. MAVREAS,1
A. EFTYCHIADIS,2 L. VELOYIANNI,1 S. GEROULANOS1
1Division of Social Medicine and Mental Health, Μedical School, University of Ioannina
2Department of History of Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

During the Byzantine period the early examples of depth psychology, which were introduced by Plato, are systematically developed and refused. The subconscious is recognized along with the importance of traumatic experiences. The Byzantine model incomposses not only the structural but also the topographical theory of Freud. The progression of repression, retrogression, transubstantiation and conversion are also noted. The dream is considered as the outlet of the conscience. Retrospective analysis is stressed for the ascertainment of the psychic trauma and appropriate formulation of the patient treatment.

Key words: Byzantium, Depth psychology, Freud, Subconscious.

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