Above the Ground and Beneath the Clouds: Schizophrenia in Lacanian Psychoanalysis

Above the Ground and Beneath the Clouds examines the history, conceptualization, and treatment of the psychotic sub-type of schizophrenia, as this is advocated by psychoanalysis of Lacanian orientation, which is contrasted to modern psychiatry. The book’s main focus is the status of the schizophrenic body and language. The ways in which these concepts can be of theoretical and clinical use in contemporary clinical settings are examined throughout.

The book consists of three parts. The first part comprises the theoretical investigation of schizophrenia in early 20th century psychiatry and in the theory and teaching of Freud, Lacan, and other influential psychoanalysts. The second part presents the fascinating case of the late 19th century Greek writer Georgios Vizyenos, who invented an extraordinary way to anchor the body before his admission to a psychiatric institution in 1896. The third part discusses the implications of those findings for the contemporary psychoanalytic diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.

Assisted by examples from the author’s clinical experience and from literature and art, this book sheds invaluable light on probably the most obscure sub-type of psychosis. It will be of help to academics, clinicians, trainees, and anyone who is interested in the way contemporary psychoanalysis approaches the persistently challenging subject of madness.