Revisiting Eugène Minkowski’s concept of schizophrenic melancholia
Abstract
This study revisits Eugène Minkowski’s concept of schizophrenic melancholia, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary psychiatry. Through a phenomenological lens, Minkowski highlighted how depressive symptoms in schizophrenia are not merely secondary but intrinsic to the disorder, deeply intertwined with disruptions in time, space, and self-experience. By examining clinical cases, theoretical analyses, and existing literature, this research explores Minkowski’s idea of the “loss of vital contact with reality” as a framework for understanding the existential dimensions of schizophrenia. His insights bridge psychopathology and philosophy, offering valuable perspectives for integrating subjective patient experiences into modern psychiatric approaches. Minkowski’s legacy underscores the need for holistic, patient-centered care that addresses both clinical symptoms and the underlying existential disruptions.
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Cites
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New Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Depression
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Delusional Experiences Emerging From AI Chatbot Interactions or “AI Psychosis”
Hudon, A., & Stip, E. (2025) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/85799 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
“Minkowski described this as a loss of vital contact, the felt connection that gives life and weight to sensations, perceptions, and thoughts [4].”
- Authors
- Cunha, F., Carreiro Borges, S., & Madeira, L.
- Affiliations
- ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões, Portugal
- University of Lisbon (PT)
- Corresponding author
- Cunha, Francisco
- Venue
- History of Psychiatry
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2025-07-27
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 269-278
- ISSN
- 0957-154X (ISSN-L)
- 1740-2360
- OpenAlex
- W4412676674
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 13
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1
- FWCI
- 23.92
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- History of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Mental Health and Psychiatry
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Historical Psychiatry and Medical Practices
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Keywords
- Eugène Minkowski, schizophrenia, melancholia, phenomenology of schizophrenia, patient experience, patient-centered care
- MeSH terms
- Depressive Disorder, Humans, Psychiatry, Schizophrenia, Schizophrenic Psychology, History, 19th Century, History, 20th Century
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