A metapsychological reading of the phenomena of the double bind and psychic paradox enables us to understand how important they are in the psychic (de)structuration of the subject, and to elaborate upon manifestations of transference and counter-transference that they entail, which are a major issue in therapy. Lastly, the concept of paradox enables us to put back to work – and back “in play” – issues of limits and boundaries in adolescence.
Adolescence, 2020, 38, 1, 177-189.
Analyzing the case of a matricidal adolescent, the author envisions the passage to the criminal act as an impasse in the pubertary process. A study of history and of laws pertaining to minors gives a better idea of how theories of psychopathology have evolved towards a theory of pubertary psychosis. By weaving together the history of law, of the penal system and of psychiatry, the author offers a reading of the psychical fact that extends to the wider context in which it appears.
Adolescence, 2019, 37, 2, 289-312.
This article will analyze the notion of subjectivation according to R. Cahn (2016) using the example of psychoanalytical practice in a Center for Adolescents that he created (CEREP). The notion of borderline state is redefined with reference to adolescence by the incapacity to gain access to the position of subject of one’s own psychical experience in terms of being. From this is derived a renewed conception of psychoanalytical practice which is specified, justified and distinguished from some contemporary derivatives.
Adolescence, 2017, 35, 1, 169-186.
This article will discuss Vincenzo Bonaminio’s clinical presentaion in three stages: diagnosis and clinical history, multi-focus and interpretation of the trouble of primary identification – in order to introduce a discussion of the differential diagnosis of psychosis and borderline state. From there, we will offer some hypotheses about the use of interpretation.
Adolescence, 2015, 33, 4, 837-848.
Autobiographical narration goes beyond mere inner recounting. In adolescents presenting severe psychic disorders, there is a more or less delusive construction aimed at organizing a prosthetic or grandiose structure for narcissism. The reconstruction of life’s moments can be an attempt to repair feelings of fragmentation. The autobiography recreated in analysis may then represent a reinvention of oneself.
Adolescence, 2015, 33, 4, 805-821.
In a sixteen year-old adolescent boy, the after-effect in adolescence enables us to analyze a dysharmony in evolution that is masked by neurotic defenses. Treatment allows for satisfying symbolization, until a subjectal disorder and delusive episode occur, leading us to hypothesize the existence of a childhood proximity pathology – both incestuous and symbiotic, involving the maternal object – which has hitherto been only indirectly discernible in a feeling of emptiness and evasiveness in love relationships.
Adolescence, 2015, 33, 4, 789-803.
The revue Adolescence has also been a place of controversy. Through these controversies, the issue of the continuity of therapeutic work in the clinical field of adolescence has been the aim. The confrontation of different ways of thinking provided an indispensable context for the reworking of notions that clinical practice cannot confirm once and for all. This subject is treated with reference to two colloquia, one on homosexuality, the other on psychosis in adolescence. Calling upon authors both from the field of adolescence and the more restricted field of the revue, we complete this overview of notions of controversy and engagement. It is through these that issues of the therapist’s technical and personal values will also be evoked.
Considering the psychic changes caused by this period, adolescence brings the pubescent individual to accomplish the double task of leaving archaic passions behind, and of experimenting new ways of drive satisfaction. In order to summarize this subjective involvement specific to the adolescent process, the authors suggest the concept of « the work of adolescence ». Based on a clinical case, the present report aims at examining the main properties of the work of adolescence. This analysis is based upon an impossible adolescence due to an archaic problem anchored in the psychic functioning of the subject. Through defence mechanisms developed, such as delusional emergence and artistic production, the work of adolescence is investigated in the case of a traumatic maternal encroachment which disrupts the dynamics of identity.
Issues of trauma, adolescence and the onset of psychosis are brought together with reference to the case of Alma in Bosnia. The question of the impact of the somatic wound in the midst of these problems is also raised, followed by a discussion of therapeutic treatments.
This is a fragment of the clinical diary of the institutional treatment of a psychotic adolescent. The text shows how a certain reading of the case also throws light on some aspects of the social and institutional functioning.