title: Mental disorders as possible intrapsychic routes to remission. Part I: delusional and psychotic disorders.
abstract: It is hypothesized in this article that delusional and psychotic disorder may be a route to survive and finally to remission when completed successful. The intrapsychic mechanism, or navigation system, that outlines this route takes into account (a) the mental and emotional limitations and vulnerabilities of the patients, and (b) hopelessness of the situation. It was speculated that cognitive and emotional capacities and associated neurobiological dysfunctions that are necessarily linked to delusional/psychotic disorders could be brought about by this intrapsychic mechanism in order to create an escape route which avoids the unbearable reality. When the patient has completed this traject successfully and the circumstances are favourable, the intrapsychic navigation system might restore his or her relevant cognitive and emotional abilities and related neurobiological functions so that the patient is ready for healthy development and remission.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*