Affective deficiency syndrome or the suspicion of not feeling enough

Affective deprivation syndrome encompasses a set of relatively stable traits in some people and arise from a lack of affection during childhood. Childhood is a stage in which every human being is deeply vulnerable. What happens in those years leaves lasting marks that generally manifest throughout life.

Lack of emotional stimuli during childhood causes emotional development to suffer a blockage. The baby needs to be recognized through caresses, words, care and also containment. When this does not occur, a fault arises and this prevents psychological evolution from following its natural course.

The emotional deprivation syndrome is characterized mainly because there is a deep conviction that one is not loved. Also there is a dissatisfaction essential with oneself and a deep fear of being abandoned. These traits are maintained throughout life, but they manifest differently at each age.

Signs of emotional deprivation syndrome

There are some traits that are present in people who have emotional deprivation syndrome. Although many people may not have felt loved, What differentiates this sensation from the syndrome itself is the stability of the symptoms.

The most common signs of the presence of affective deficiency syndrome are the following:

Feelings of worthlessness. The person does not feel that he is worth enough; He constantly doubts his abilities and believes that most circumstances will surpass his strength or abilities.Perception of failure. They often feel like they have failed miserably, even though that is not the case. There is severe self-criticism and also constant self-reproaches.Lack of self-love. They do not sympathize with themselves. It is difficult for them to find virtues in themselves and when they do, they are quick to minimize them. They despise each other.Retreat. It is difficult for them to show what they think or feel to others, since they have an excessive fear of being rejected. Likewise, when they are actually rejected, they deeply resent these situations.Instability. They tend to be unstable in their interpersonal relationships. They alternate attachment with abandonment.

Manifestations according to age

As we had pointed out, Affective deficiency syndrome manifests itself differently depending on age. However, the essential traits are present at all ages, although their expression varies according to the degree of maturity and the environment.

Taking age into account, these are the manifestations in each specific case:

Early childhood. It corresponds to babies who cry a lot, smile little and contract infections frequently. It is common for them to have digestive problems and sometimes they do not grow enough.preschool age. They are apprehensive in relationships with their peers and often have some language difficulty.School age. Learning disorders, difficulty focusing and concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness are common. The child doubts himself, refers in negative terms to what he is and has the feeling that he bothers others.Preadolescence and adolescence. Teenagers tend to be impulsive, active, and concerned about their appearance. They get excited very easily and symptoms of addiction may appear.Adulthood. There is isolation, confusion in goals and objectives, as well as a frequent feeling of failure, or conformity. They fail to establish healthy relationships and limit themselves at work.

Can something be done?

From a realistic perspective, emotional deprivation syndrome can never be completely resolved, which does not mean that it is impossible to find a way out. You can learn to live with that lack, and you can even take advantage of it.. The hardest thing of all is getting started; Once that step is taken, things become increasingly clearer.

In these cases, The most recommended thing is psychological therapy, with a sufficiently experienced professional. Psychodynamic therapies or psychoanalysis usually work very well in these situations. Those who have emotional deficiency syndrome tend to idealize their therapist and the therapist must know how to respond to this over-expectation.

It is not easy to overcome this situation on your own., since it is a very deep reality and it is common that without external support the person ends up boycotting attempts to heal the wound that they carry inside. In any case, the approach to art, reading, meditation and sports are factors that help a lot.

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