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In the preface, Resnik sets the tone for this book:
I let myself be carried along by my dreams and reverie into the time and space of psychoanalysis, into the analytical field. There I wander through my diurnal and nocturnal fantasies, always reaching to continue an adventure which began several—not to say many—years ago. This book is part of my wanderings. (p. ix)
The book is about his lifelong experience with psychotic patients, both individually, in groups and in the context of the general psychiatric/institutional setting.
Resnik views psychotic patients as following their own pathway through their delusions, often losing themselves on the way. The delusional ideology is seen as an act of defiance towards the world, its aim being to change the nature of the world and impose its own wishes. When the delusion deflates (disillusion), then the loss leads to despair and depression and the patient may then feel the need to seek support and guidance. Narcissistic depressions, the loss of the delusional ego, may lead to a deeply melancholic state, with the patient thinking of suicide. In such cases, hospitalization is the only remedy and teamwork with the analytic carers is vital. Unfortunately, the patient may fall between two stools, if there is competition between colleagues with differing backgrounds.
When Resnik started in the field of psychosis, there was still the use of straightjackets and no effective medication. However, throughout his years of involvement, a central problem remained one of making contact with patients with chronic psychosis. Behind their cold immobile façade, he found a complex painful and violent world. The analyst who treats psychotics, Resnik asserts, has to be in