THE SORROWS OF THE YOUNG ALBERT: A CASE REPORT OF PATHOLOGICAL LOVE

Abstract

Pathological Love is characterized by the behavior of paying attention and care repetitively in an uncontrolled way and with priority over other previously valued activities. The authors present a case report of Pathological Love and have as a goal a reflection about the role that this type of love has in the patient's life in the light of his childhood. A non systematic review of the literature on pathological love, depression and pathological attachment patterns was developed, as well as a collection of clinical history and interviews with the patient during psychiatric hospitalization, a psychological evaluation and also it was used the Goeth´s masterpiece - The Sorrows of Young Werther in order to draw parallels with the present clinical case. The patient has a longtime platonic love without delusional features. The idealization of the love affair became an illusory defense against mental distress. However, whenever he experience a loss, translated by the removal of his beloved one, the patient returns to a depressive state, being reactivated feelings of abandonment, rejection and lack of love, resulting from unstable bond he has with his parents since childhood. The essence of Pathological Love is not just love but also fear - of being alone, of not having value, of not deserving love, of being abandoned (again). Suicidal ideation appears as strengthening sure that he will not be forgotten, if he performs it.