Postmodernity: clinical and social reflections about new forms of psychopathology

Abstract

This article proposes a reflection on the impact that some postmodern features can have on the sense of identity and on mental functioning to propose possible explanations for identity changes and new forms of psychopathology. After revisiting the most recent literature on the theme, this study proposes a clinical consideration for a possible link between new forms of psychopathology and mental suffering. It particularly suggests that the changes observed in affectivity (including increase in dysphoria, irritability, restlessness, boredom, feeling of empti-ness) and behaviour (reduction in impulse control ability, in interpersonal skills and reflective function, etc.) are important indices of a bigger change that involves the entire personality and indicates a shifting towards a borderline level of personality functioning. Finally, the article offers a possible explanation for this shift and advances therapeutic questions.