Brain structure plays an indispensable role in shaping symptoms of mental illnesses. The current research shows that specific parts of the brain are associated with symptoms of various mental illnesses. (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). For instance, the amygdala plays a central role in anxiety processes (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex can also be correlated with mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression (Di Giuseppe et al., 2020). Moreover, investigations outline that the right and the left insula can be linked to specific symptoms (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). It means that different brain parts are affected by mental illness symptoms.
Individuals often rely on several defensive mechanisms to eliminate the adverse effects of stress, anxiety, or other unpleasant feelings. These might include narcissistic (primitive) and immature practices playing a vital role in addressing psychological issues. Narcissistic defense mechanisms revolve around distorting, avoiding, or negating reality. For instance, a person might deny negative aspects about themselves to protect their psyche and mental health (Di Giuseppe et al., 2020). Additionally, delusional projection occurs when an individual holds a fixed belief even when there is sufficient evidence of the contrary. In clinical settings, people with a narcissistic personality disorder might refuse form medications because of the idea that they are healthy (Di Giuseppe et al., 2020). This example demonstrates how this defense mechanism works.
Immature defense mechanisms differ from the previous category and have specific peculiarities. They are linked to the fear of intimacy and its loss (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). This psychological challenge is common during preadolescent and adult life, especially among individuals affected by personality disorders (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). Various immature defense mechanisms exist, including acting out, introjection, idealization, splitting, projection, regression, and passive aggression. According to Di Giuseppe et al. (2020), projection involves attributing improper desires, thoughts, or feelings to another person. For example, a male engaging in an extramarital affair may accuse his wife of unfaithfulness. Passive aggression is also another typical immature behavior characterized by an indirect tactic of expressing aggression (Krause-Utz et al., 2017). The clinical example of immature defensive behavior occurs in terms of antisocial personality disorder, characterized by inappropriate behaviors used to hide other important feelings (Di Giuseppe et al., 2020). It helps to protect the psyche from too high significant stress and continue functioning. However, the given mechanism might have both positive and negative impacts on an individual and his/her mental health.
References
Di Giuseppe, M., Perry, J. C., Conversano, C., Gelo, O. C. G., & Gennaro, A. (2020). Defense mechanisms, gender, and adaptiveness in emerging personality disorders in adolescent outpatients. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 208(12), 933-941. Web.
Krause-Utz, A., Frost, R., Winter, D., & Elzinga, B. M. (2017). Dissociation and alterations in brain function and structure: Implications for borderline personality disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(1), 1-22. Web.