The Disintegrating Self: Psychotherapy of Adult ADHD, Autistic Spectrum and Somato-psychic Disorders

by Phil Mollon

Conditions such as ADHD and autistic spectrum traits are increasingly recognized among children - but the problems that such people face as adults are less commonly appreciated. Many clients present with traits of ADHD and the autistic spectrum (these often occurring together) but such characteristics may not be recognized by psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors or psychiatrists. As a result, the clients are not given the understanding or assistance they need and deserve. Much time and effort may be wasted on a spurious search for psychodynamic reasons for problems that are essentially rooted in neurobiology. Another frequent and adverse outcome is the relegation of the client to a diagnosis of -borderline personality disorder-.

This book outlines what happens in the brain of the person with ADHD, how this affects behavior, emotion, thought processes, and regulation of impulses - and how these affect other people. Those with ADHD are often driven to be argumentative, are prone to depression, anxiety, sensation-seeking and addictions. Such traits are not entirely psychodynamically driven but reflect the insufficiently aroused brain seeking stimulation, novelty, and pleasure. The picture presented by people with ADHD of their childhood or current environment may express honestly held but extremely subjective perceptions that are distorted by their own brain states and challenging behaviors.

Several other conditions that are frequently missed by psychotherapists are also addressed. The -porous personality- and the -prey-predator dynamic-, which play a significant role in recurrent self-harm, are described for the first time.

Genres: Psychology, Adhd

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

He synthesizes a ton of data and incorporates an admirable broad spectrum of theories, but I can't help feeling that the whole is less than the sum of the parts.

Though that partially may be due to his key takeaway revolving around energy therapy, which I am incapable of getting excited about.

[LC Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the chapters focusing on ADHD, and I have to say that this is text was a breath of fresh air. Mollon shows that the dichotomy between scientistic reductionist "its all up to genetics" contra post-structuralist "mental disorders are all socially constructed" accounts of dysregulated behavior are both theoretically and clinically wrongheaded. Pyschoanalysis does NOT require neuroscientific interventions ala Mark Solms to be considered a legitmate field of study (I am mostly with Ricoeur as a hermeneutics of subjectivity)-but the handwaving of ADHD, Bi-polar, and other cognitive dysregulation disorders by the more skeptical analysts does more harm than good. This text has helped me understand that it isn't repressed ideas that are preventing my progress, but rather that my ego is so weak I'm not even in a good place to delve there yet. Lot's to think about here on the personal lvel.

[Agata]

Hey Mr. Mollon, I'm pretty sure YOU have ADHD too. What a rollercoaster of interconnected, and often interesting and innovative theories it was! Although the orgonite stuff on your Old Website is, well, undermining your credibility. 🙃


Hard to rate. Don't consider this book as a source of truth, more like food for thought.

[Maciek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories of the people with different conditions were a good insight into the matter. The presented knowledge was also great to read. Just skip the “energy” bits with acupuncture, etc.