Termination Process in Psychosis: Neither Interruption nor Endless Treatment

Classics of French psychoanalysis

Abstract

In this paper, the author revisits the hypothesis of neurotization of psychosis as a therapeutic goal, analyzing its relevance in light of contemporary psychoanalytic research. The metapsychological aspects of change in psychosis are discussed, along with the features of the analytic process, including transference, splitting of the ego, and denial. Drawing on clinical casesof psychotic patients, the conditions for successful termination treatment are demonstrated, highlighting the transition from alienation to the capacity to symbolize, associate, and play with affects, representations, and language.