Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is related to a range of mental disorders in later life. This clinical case study investigated the impact of CSA on the dreams of an individual diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from a psychodynamic perspective. The findings have shown that CSA influences body image, symptoms of OCD, dreams, and the development of gender identity from childhood through adolescence and early adulthood. This study showed how free associations and symbolism in dream analysis can help to understand the role of CSA in dreams and OCD during young adulthood using psychodynamic theories. Also, transference in psychoanalytic therapy influences the dream contents and it facilitates the patient's exploration of repressed emotions toward family members and other significant figures.
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