When Pain becomes Personality: Revisiting Sado-Masochistic Personality Structure

The current case report is an exploration of a traditional diagnostic entity of sado-masochistic personality disorder. It contributes to the discourse by demonstrating process of conceptualization and emphasizing utility of projective tests when objective tests don’t yield adequate results. MMPI 2 RF, TAT, the Rorschach and SCID-5 interview schedule were used and a psychodynamic lens was used to conceptualize the case. Eclectic approach was used for therapy; however, it didn’t generate impactful outcomes. Important outcome was learning to revisit earlier classificatory systems to deepen conceptual learning and clinical thinking.