On the value of phenomenological analysis in individualization of chronic maniacal disorders and in the definition of their relations with manic-depressive psychosis
Tonali, P.; Ferro, F.M.
Archivio di Psicologia Neurologia e Psichiatria 29(1): 43-68
1968
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0150 PMID: 5653466 Document Number: 5577
On the basis of a longterm clinical observation of two cases the Aa. discuss the psychopathogical and nosographic problem of the chronic mania. Through a careful phenomenological analysis which aims to the understanding of the deep meaning and of the dynamics of this psychotic pattern the Aa. believe that chronic mania is strictly related to the manic-depressive psychosis. According to the Aa. chronic mania would be, vice versa, unrelated to the other chronic excitating states which are expression of deteriorative processes due to other psychosis or definite organic alterations. Chronic mania would appear as a possible conclusion of a disthymic psychosis with a particular evolution: a psychological situation where it is possible recognize the primitive oscillation of humour, where the continuous emotional instability has lost its dramaticity, and the expression has shifted from syntonic to rigid, with decisive impoverishment of interpersonal relationship and reality testing. Considered in such a way, as a stereotyped version of the maniac feeling, chronic mania is in its essence very far apart from the schizophrenic Erleben. The impression of mental deterioration in chronic mania reported from many Aa. would seem simply due to the difficulties, connected to peculiar Stimmung, to satisfactorily objectivity the intellectual functioning of these patients. In this way defined and understood chronic mania, though considered as strictly related with maniac-depressive psychosis, results autonomous clinical entity; though rare, it seems also extremely useful to understand the complex dynamics of the maniac worlds.
Document emailed within 1 workday
