Notes on the Theory of Schizophrenia1

In this paper I shall discuss the schizophrenic patient's use of language and the bearing of this on the theory and practice of his analysis. At a later date I shall acknowledge my indebtedness to, and discuss the views of, the psycho-analysts who have contributed to the growth of my own views. I cannot do that now, but I must make it clear for the better understanding of what I say that, even where I do not make specific acknowledgement of the fact, Melanie Klein's work occupies a central position in my view of the psycho-analytic theory of schizophrenia. I assume that the explanation of terms such as 'projective identification' and the 'paranoid' and 'depressive positions' is known through her work.

By approaching the subject through consideration of verbal thought I run the risk of appearing to neglect the nature of the schizophrenic's object relations. I must therefore emphasize now that I think that the peculiarity of the schizophrenic's object relations is the outstanding feature of schizophrenia. The importance of the points that I wish to make lies in their capacity to illuminate the nature of this object relationship of which they are a subordinate function.

The material is derived from the analysis of six patients; two were drug addicts, one an obsessional anxiety state with schizoid features, and the remaining three schizophrenics all of whom suffered from hallucinations which were well in evidence over a period of between four and five years of analysis. Of these three, two showed marked paranoid features and one depression.

I did not depart from the psycho-analytic procedure I usually employ with neurotics, being careful always to take up both positive and negative aspects of the transference.

B. Nature of the Observation on which Interpretations are Based

Evidence for interpretations has to be sought in the counter-transference and in the actions and free associations of the patient. Countertransference has to play an important part in