Arousal and blockage. Stages in a course of multigenerational family therapy for a patient with manic-depressive psychosis.

The article describes various stages in a course of multigenerational famil y therapy for a patient with manic-depressive psychosis. The different phas es center on the relationship with the patient's family of origin, the role of medication, and the sexual relationship between patient and partner. Th e study highlights aspects of transference in connection with the instituti on, and the introduction of a sexual therapy parameter. The treatment is di scussed against the background of psychoanalytic observations on family and couple dynamics and their role in manic-depressive disorders.