The Organic and the Inner World (Psychology, Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy)

“We are moving into a new epoch in which it is becoming possible to scientifically explore the relationship between subjectivity and objectivity and the reciprocal influences of brain and mind, nature and nurture. For those interested, this book is a ‘must read’. It contains four brilliant essays with commentaries. Britton is at his best in giving a psychoanalytic and historical perspective; Fonagy and Bateman show how far things have progressed in their chapter on modern understandings of the borderline mind and brain. There are then two fascinating chapters on the unconscious in manic-depression and dementia.” (Brian Martindale, Honorary President)

“This is an important book. It addresses an area of crucial significance for both psychoanalysis and psychiatry, namely the relationship between the two and what each can learn from the other. Increasingly, research evidence highlights the extensive nature of this overlap, and texts such as this, with contributions of exceptional quality, are essential in shedding light on such complex terrain.” (Dr. Matthew Patrick, Training and Supervising Analyst, British Psychoanalytical Society; Chief Executive)

Psychiatry and psychoanalysis have often been perceived to be in opposition to one another, to the detriment of both disciplines. In an attempt to foster closer links between the two, the British Psychoanalytical Society held a conference at the Institute of Psychoanalysis entitled “The Organic and the Inner World”. This volume collects the papers from this conference.