A Pattern of Madness

This book offers an insightful exploration of narcissism as a key psychopathological issue, challenging conventional psychiatric practices and perspectives.

In A Pattern of Madness, the author draws from extensive scholarship and a lifetime of psychoanalytic experience to engage readers in a profound exploration of the human psyche. This work challenges not only professional practitioners but also anyone interested in the complexities of mental health. By integrating personal commitment and struggle, the narrative becomes both a scholarly text and a deeply personal reflection on the nature of madness.

Neville Symington, a distinguished psychoanalyst with a portfolio of respected works, including Narcissism: A New Theory and Making of a Psychotherapist, expands on his previous insights in this latest book. He delves into the intricate relationship between narcissism and the psychopathological issues of contemporary society. Symington argues that narcissism, along with its close relatives—self-centredness, egoism, and solipsism—represents a core dysfunction of our time, calling for a deeper understanding of these patterns.

Critiquing the superficiality often found in psychiatric symptomatology and psychotherapeutic practices, A Pattern of Madness offers a compelling investigation into the structure of narcissistic behavior. Symington aims to provide readers with a clearer perspective on this challenging psychic state, encouraging a more nuanced approach to understanding madness and sanity in the modern world.