Afterword

Abstract

Throughout this book, I have explored the role of body phenomena in ordinary psychosis by focusing on the onset of psychosis, subsequent triggering events and symptom formation. By investigating body phenomena, I set out to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the onset of psychosis and triggering events in ordinary psychosis. I have accomplished this by assessing whether Lacan’s theory of elementary phenomena is applicable to body disturbances, and evaluating the role of the imaginary and the real in the onset of psychosis and in triggering events. I have also examined whether Lacan’s ideas concerning the onset of psychosis required revising in light of current debates in Lacanian theory. In addition, I have evaluated the idea of stabilisation in psychosis through examining imaginary identification, the formation of a delusion and the sinthome. My intent was to assess the relevance of these theories in understanding the stabilising function of certain body symptoms in psychosis. Furthermore, I have examined how body symptoms, which appear to stabilise psychosis, may be differentiated from other kinds of phenomena, such as conversion symptoms, hypochondriacal complaints, delusions and automatisms. In addition, I have investigated body symptoms in psychosis through assessing the link between jouissance and the signifier, with a particular focus on the register of the real and the symbolic.