ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on addictive and perverse states of mind and suggests that they may not really constitute separate entities. The approach of studying the transference/countertransference has led to the identification of what can be termed a perverse modality of object relation, with an identifiable and distinct emotional picture. The survival and progress of the analysis depends on the analyst's capacity to preserve and keep his separate thinking mind, while holding on to his capacity to put himself in the patient's shoes; empathic but separate. The analysis of patients with perverse and addictive symptoms shows that they have similarly perverse and addictive internal configurations, relational experiences, and defensive organisations. Analytic psychopathology frequently describes patients in terms of their relationship to neurosis and psychosis. The use of a consistent technique focused on a detailed analysis of the transference-countertransference field is indispensable to stay close to the main source of disturbance of the analytic process.
