Abstract
IN the book before us, Laignel-Lavastine presents his methods of examination and treatment of the psycho-neurotic in a series of lectures which were originally delivered at La Pitié Hospital, Paris. His method consists of emphasising the manifold aspects of any case of mental disorder. It is not a case of whether this is a psychogenic or a physiogenic disorder, but how much of this disorder is psychogenic and how much is physiogenic. He describes four concentric zones with a “morbific kernel” at the centre. The zones from within, outwards, are the visceral, the endocrine, the nervous, and the psychic. In every case it is essential to investigate these zones and evaluate their respective values in etiology. His attitude towards psychotherapy is essentially that of the French school headed by Janet. For the teaching of Freud he has no great affection. To those who have confession as part of their religious creed there is, no great need for Freud—so says Lavastine.
The Concentric Method in the Diagnosis of Psychoneurotics.
Prof.
M.
Laignel-Lavastine
By. (International Library of Psychology, Philosophy and Scientific Method.) Pp. x + 217. (London: Kegan Paul and Co., Ltd.; New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1931.) 10s. 6d. net.
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The Concentric Method in the Diagnosis of Psychoneurotics . Nature 128, 690 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/128690c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/128690c0