Mannerism

Abstract

Research on mannerism, such as on schizophrenia, has progressively declined, almost disappearing from contemporary psychiatry. This raises the question why it occurred, particularly given the longstanding interest shown by many authoritative psychiatrists who sought to grasp its essence. The aim of this work is to clarify the meaning and origin of mannerism and to identify a common thread connecting the majority of reflections on it in the writings of major classical authors.
Building on their insights, the psychiatrist Massimo Fagioli examines the psychodynamics of mannerism, defines it as pathognomonic of schizophrenia, and traces its origin to a lesion in unconscious psychic reality.