Clinical Studies on Psychopathology: a contribution to the Aetiology of Neurotic illness
- Author:
Dicks, M.A., M.D. 2nd Edition. Edward Arnold. 15s.
This is the second edition of a book which has earned for itself by its honesty and vividness a special place in English literature on psychopathology. The new issue contains some minor alterations and some additions, but in the main the book is unchanged and it remains an important coherent statement of views derived from practical experience in the elucidation of psycho-neurotic problems. It matches and contrasts theories with real happenings within the author’s experience and is richly illustrated with case notes derived from behaviour and statements in analysis (the method of analysis in so far as it deviates from orthodox psychoanalysis is described). The case notes are used as a testing ground and for illustrations of theory, and from them the author draws his discussion and conclusions on points of psychopathology. The reader, in whom some familiarity with the major concepts and language of psychopathology is assumed, is asked to accept no ex cathedra views, but is presented with the author’s methods, his information sources and his conclusions, argued with learning, moderation, integrity and wisdom. It is of course a highly personal book, the fruit of the author’s work, reading and thought in this field, and is intended not as a textbook but only as a personal contribution to discussion of psychopathology.
Professor Dicks declares himself as an eclecticist and is prepared to reject the views of any school unless they withstand the test of practice and reflective evaluation. On the other hand he finds much of use in various schools and his own view-point is a synthesis of derived and original concepts selected partly for practical and partly for theoretical reasons. His conclusions are mainly in support of Freudian theories, but with Hadfield he is unable to accept the Oedipus situation as the common source of early anxiety, while his view of sadism as a secondary fusion of sexual with aggressive impulses is the result of his own experience with patients. The case material was interpreted in the light of instinct psychopathology, but the author does not exclude the pathology of object relationships as a future basis for behaviour interpretation. This edition reviews some of his earlier conclusions in the light of the literature of the last eight years and includes tribute to the writings of Brierly, Fairbairn, Horney and Klein.
In a new last chapter a vigorous plea is made for the recognition of the reality of emotion by those who would deny its existence except as an epiphenomenon, and he argues cogently against the nihilism of mechanistic views of human behaviour. This thoughtful book, rich in independent thinking and scientific humility, is written with economy and lucidity. It is a pleasure to read and can be firmly recommended to all who are interested in attempts at the objective study of psychodynamics. T.F.M.
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