title: Loneliness as expressed by schizophrenic patients in the early remission phase.
abstract: We examine the clinical and psychotherapeutic significance of the "emotion of depression," particularly "loneliness," focusing on the postpsychotic depression in one phase of the early remission phase and prolonged early remission phase according to the so-called "remission process theory" of schizophrenia (Nakai). We first present details of two cases representative among 30 patients who discussed "loneliness" with their chief therapist. Then, in the Discussion, we classify the expressions of "loneliness" into four modes, taking "loneliness as isolation open to the other." In this phase, the patient strongly seeks a "deeply significant other" as a "partner for even a little protection against loneliness," and the therapist often assumes this role. This role is extremely important to the patient's passage through the early remission phase. We stress that the presence of this "partner for even a little protection against loneliness" is of great significance for the problems of subsequent progress or stagnation in the remission process, and the issue of ongoing deterioration as well.
authors.affiliation: Aoki Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Junichiro
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kudo
authors.forename: Hayato
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gomibuchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology