Depression: Comparative Studies of Normal, Neurotic, and Psychotic Conditions

by Edith Jacobson

Edith Jacobson's major contribution to psychoanalysis is her comprehensive developmental and psychostructural model that includes object relations theory and a clear yet broad frame of reference for the psychoanalytic understanding of the entire spectrum of psychopathology and of normal development.

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology

353 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Mohsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the third book of this influential author that I've read so far. and also her last one. seeing how Otto Kernberg's theories have been under the influence of her works, the layers of superego for example, I've decided to read her contributions. and I can say that she was a keen observer and a very well-read and informed person, regarding psychoanalytic literature. but her view on many classic concepts, are unique to her and pleasant to read and very enlightening considering the primitive states of the mind. i cant thank her enough for her contributions, to both analysts and patients.

[Ian Mewhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Objectively a great book on psychology and depression. It made me understand my own mental health better, and also can see how people develop these conditions. Including lack of trust for people and such when people grow up in a dysfunctional and abusive family. Growing up with both loving parents is basically a requirement from what I have seen here. I liked the layout of the chapters. The premise of the chapters is a bit too dry and boring with hard psychology terminology like Ego, Superego, Id etc. However the case studies that follow the introduction of the chapters is very interesting. I found it interesting how the author was against treating most people who were related to politics. Amazing citations of older psychology books throughout the book. It's hard to get engaged with the book, because there is nothing really to imagine in your minds eye because it is mostly dry and detailed medical documentation. 3.75/5

[Mary Slowik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting...

This is an extremely cerebral examination of clinical depression and other mental illnesses, based on Freudian literature and case studies drawn from a legendary psychiatrist's life work. Its target audience, naturally, are other analysts or students of psychology, and in many chapters it reads like a textbook. In the more compelling chapters, however, with all the case studies, the author illustrates complex psychological concepts in dramatic fashion. One can see precisely how (and why) psychic conflicts in childhood and adolescence set the stage for mental illness later in life.

I dare you to make this your "beach" read.