THE CATATHYMIC CRISIS, 1912-PRESENT - A REVIEW AND CLINICAL-STUDY

The concept of catathymic crisis is reviewed, beginning with its intro duction in 1912. The term has been used differently by various authors over the years, most attempting to explain several forms of extreme v iolence and aggression without apparent motivation Catathymic crisis c an include acute violent reactions triggered by an individual whom the perpetrator has just met, or it may involve a more protracted and con flict-ridden relationship. In all cases, it is believed, an underlying unresolved emotional conflict creates an enormous amount of psycholog ical tension, which is released through the violent act. In addition t o reviewing the various conceptualizations of catathymic crisis, this paper provides brief clinical illustrations that typical the acute as well as the chronic form. A discussion of some forensic issues is also included. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd