Time and Schizophrenia.

It is possible, albeit reductionistic, to consider the many dysfunctions of reality testing found in schizophrenia as manifestations of a defective time sense. This perspective on schizophrenic discourse, for instance, permits a new grasp of "schizophrenic logic" and a novel approach to therapeutic interpretation. The present paper describes the use of time-related interventions in the psychotherapy of a schizophrenic patient. Several aspects of time sense are outlined. Under each heading are examples from the psychotherapy of Carrie, demonstrating her idiosyncratic notion of that particular temporal concept. Interpretations are aimed at clarifying the cognitive assumptions underlying the patient's expressions.