On the Problem of Psychogenesis in Mental Illnesses
About this ebook
This edition is a new 2023 translation with an Afterword by the Translator, a philosophic index of Jung's terminology and a timeline of his life and works.
Jung discusses the often overlooked psychological aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emphasising the importance of considering psychogenic factors alongside physical causes. The author highlights the historical shift in psychiatry towards a scientific approach, which often leads to a focus on physical aetiology at the expense of psychological understanding. This bias is illustrated by a case study of a misdiagnosed woman in whom psychological factors were ignored. The article argues that many mental illnesses, particularly those that fall under the umbrella of dementia praecox, are not purely organic and have significant psychological components. The author argues that many psychiatric and neurological professionals lack adequate training in psychology, leading to an underestimation of the role of psychological factors in mental illness. The article also discusses the importance of detailed patient histories and psychological analysis in understanding and treating mental disorders, and uses several case studies to illustrate the profound impact of psychological factors on mental health conditions. The author argues for a more balanced approach to psychiatry, integrating both physical and psychological perspectives.
