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Volume 8, Number 1
January - June 2004

Sull'inconsolabilità.
(On inconsolability)
Edward M. Weinshel


SUMMARY

This paper examines inconsolability as it emerges in the analysis of some patients whose characteristic feature was that of refusing consolation and comfort, at least consciously, and strongly opposing any attempt to provide solace to their unhappiness and distress. The Author suggests that sometimes this seems to assume the structure and the genesis of a symptom; it might also, at times, appear as a humour or as mourning process. In some cases the defence mechanism are more relevant and in others still, inconsolability seems to be the core aspect of a complex character structure. While claiming that there is no evidence for attributing inconsolability to a specific clinical entity, in his presentation of two clinical cases, the Author observes how certain specific characteristics frequently recur. He also underlines the role played by both pre-genital and oedipal components in maintaining inconsolability and further suggests that a better understanding of their mutual interplay could enhance and broaden our knowledge in regards to a series of "atypical" clinical cases that often defeat any diagnostic or nosological attempts.