Object loss and psychotic regression

The author explores the structures and dynamics of a case of acute schizophrenic decompensation, which is shown to be a pathological grief reaction. How the patient comes to terms with the loss of the object can be traced through the various stages of the illness. The nature and fundamental disturbance of object relations becomes especially clear. The psychotic regression serves to deny the loss and simultaneously constitutes repeated attempts--and their failures--to introject a good object and thereby achieve a belated primary identification. The latter would be a basic precondition for the capacity to mourn a loss adequately.