A case of paradoxical 'cure' through psychoanalysis

The treatment of a psychotic patient, for whom psychoanalysis paradoxically contributed to the development of the psychosis and then played a role in the elaboration of a subjective outcome, leads us to ask two types or quest ions. First, how does psychoanalysis generate resistances towards itself as found in present-day social discourses'! This is illustrated here by its u se as a cultural tool which contributed to the psychosis. Second, how shoul d the therapy of psychotic patients be managed, especially regarding the us e of transference and the manner of interpretation, given Lacan's developme nt through various stages of a psychoses theory? (C) 2001 Editions scientif iques et medicales Elsevier SAS.