ABSTRACT
The chronic form of catathymic process as conceived of by Revitch and Schlesinger (1978, 1981, 1989) is an updated and simplified version of Wertham’s (1937) catathymic crisis. Revitch and Schlesinger reduced the process to three stages: (1) incubation, (2) violent act, and (3) relief (see Table 6.1). During the incubation phase, the future offender becomes depressed and obsessively preoccupied with the future victim. His behavior at times may appear bizarre, while at other times his outward conduct or demeanor does not change. At this stage, he may have suicidal thoughts that later become mixed with homicidal ideas involving the future victim. The idea to kill slowly emerges, takes hold, and then becomes fixed. The future offender may notify friends, family members, his therapist, or even a member of the clergy. His pleas are frequently ignored or rationalized as the offender often reassures the confidant that he will not act out and that he is in control. But despite his inner struggle and efforts to seek help, he carries out the deed.
