Bodily communication and related disorders

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol Psychiatr Psyc. 1996; 44: Postfach 2540, W-4790 Paderborn, Germany. Verlag Ferdinand Schoningh. 415-428.

Abstract: Embodiment and bodily existence may be regarded as a basis of interpersonality which is mostly latent, yet all the more important in its psychopathological alterations. Ic includes different phenomena such as understanding of expression, empathy, suggestion, fascination or fusion experiences. Disorders of bodily intentionality may become apparent in disturbances of bodily communication and have diagnostic as well as therapeutic relevance; their intuitive awareness is an important though rarely considered element of psychiatric experience. Based on phenomenological theories of the live body, especially by M. Merleau-Ponty and H. Schmitz, categories of bodily communication are developed, and possible disturbances of bodily interaction in depression and schizophrenia are examined.

Note: Article T Fuchs, Tech Univ Munich, Psychiat Klin & Poliklin, D-8000 Munich, Germany

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