Introductory remarks by the issue editors: The multiple dimensions of the parent–baby story

Abstract

In their introductory remarks, the guest editors, themselves presenters at the conference “Parent–Infant Disturbance: Theory and Therapy,” introduce the philosophy and methodology underlying this interdisciplinary psychoanalytic conference and outline the multiple dimensions of the issue at hand, as they are addressed by the individual contributions to this volume. The paper concludes with a remembrance of and dedication to the victims of the Paris terrorist attack of November 13, 2015.     

Fast screening of eating disorders among patients with bipolar disorder: Validation of the French version of BEDS questionnaire

IntroductionThe prevalence and morbidity of eating disorders (ED) is high in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Simple tools are necessary to easily and rapidly screen for ED in bipolar patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to validate the French version of Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS-F).MethodED and BD diagnoses were established with a structured-interview in 80 patients according to the DSM-IV criteria. The BEDS was translated into French using appropriate methods. Patients were administered the following scales: BEDS-F, SCOFF, Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE) and Eating Disorder Inventory-two (EDI-2).ResultsBEDS-F score were significantly higher in bipolar patients with ED. The BEDS-F showed high feasibility (no omission response), excellent discriminating abilities (ROC AUC = 0.97) with a sensibility of 98% and specificity of 85% for BEDS ≥ 11, high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.86) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99). No floor/ceiling effect was observed. The BEDS-F sensitivity was equivalent to that of the BITE and EDI-2 subscale B. The BEDS-F specificity was slightly lower than that of the EDI-2 subscale B, but equivalent to that of BITE.ConclusionThe BEDS-F is a valid scale for fast ED screening in patients with bipolar disorder, and easier to administer than other currently used scales.     

Children's understanding of the war in Iraq: views from Britain and Bosnia

Sixty‐one children (aged 9–17) from the United Kingdom (31) and Bosnia (30) were interviewed about the war in Iraq. Significant differences emerged in their views of the war. The Bosnian children were more affected by the Iraq War, more aware of who is involved in it, had different views about its causes, viewed the consequences of the war with greater gravity, and expressed a greater desire to end war and have peace. Two factors which might account for these differences – recent Bosnian history and the nature of media representations of the war in the two countries – are discussed.     

La protection des données personnelles des patients face à la modernisation de notre système de santé

With the Internet and the artificial intelligence, the collection of personal data is becoming a strategic element for the digital economy. The collection of information touching the health or the body must respect the patients’ rights. The GDPR came into effect on May 25th, 2018. The healthcare professionals who are established in a Member state, must be careful because they can base their exercise on clinical or biological elements of their patients.     

Inventing the enemy

The following article elaborates on the need for the Other in order to delineate the self and one's identity, and the eternal psychological process of turning the Other into an enemy. A parallel process, which can be observed nowadays, leads to a disregard for the otherness of the Other that results in the blurring of identity and an internal loss of the differentiation of intrapsychic structures. Both psychological processes share a dehumanizing approach which leads to neurosis and alienation. In order to withstand these tendencies, a revision of analytical psychology's view of the psyche and of the practice of Jungian analysis is warranted: an alternative to the ‘Fear of the Feminine’ described by Erich Neumann in 1959. It is suggested that consciousness and unconsciousness intertwine but from a position of equality and reciprocity. Such an attitude does not inspire fear. Rather, it recognizes the need of one for the Other and the inevitability of this situation. Moreover, this need and interdependence on equal grounds nourish the wish to know the Other, to be aware of the differences, and yet, at the same time, to acknowledge how close the Other really is. Analytical psychological therapy based on this model stresses the power of the ego while also strengthening its capacity for introspection.