ABSTRACT:
This study aims to describe the expression of perverse traits operating in a melancholic personality structure. The definition of the basic concepts of structure, organization of personality and character traits is made. The characteristics of the melancholic structure and perverse organization are described and through the study of a single case, we seek to demonstrate the psychodynamics of a melancholic personality structure and identify the manifestation of perverse traits. The clinical discussion focuses on the acting of the perverse traits over melancholy. The paper demonstrates the importance of understanding these dynamics and diagnostic aspects to the clinical practice in psychoanalysis. Furthermore, it was possible to conclude that perverse manifestations may occur in different personality structures, not being exclusive of perverse organizations of the self.
Keywords:
melancholy; perversion; sadism; masochism; psychoanalytic psychotherapy.