This study provides some interesting data on the dynamic and symptomatic changes of psychotic patients who were treated with the poetry therapy at the Neuro-psychiatric Hospital of Won Kwang University from April through October, 1986. In the study one patient´s psychodynamics is analysed and explained through his six poems in the order written during this period.
In his first poem, symptomatically loquacity is shown, which is a characteristic feature of the manic state, and dynamically frustration of the dependent need is transformed into aggressive desire. The state of the increased psychomotor activity is presented in the second poem. Regression to the oral stage and repression of being regressed are also app-eared here. In the third poem, he ttarts to show the superficial balance in the style and the wish to be healthy again. Even though he shows anxiety about the failure of the dependent interrelationship, he is able to restrict the use of pathological mental mechanisms in this poem. He particularly describes his feelings about the two pathologic states, mania and depression which both occur in himself periodically. In the fourth poem, he describes his future life, and shows the possibility to be mature from being in the narcissistic and dependent state. In the fifth poem, he shows the ability "to give:´ This indicates that he has realized the object ´to give´, but not remained in the narcissistic state. He also shows universalization and the strong desire to pursue the active relationship with the real ob?ect. In the sixth poem, he finally explains his own psychodynamics and gets emotional insight. Besides, his object has been confirmed in the concrete reality. The functions of repression and suppression are also seen dynamically in this last poem which is considered as a successful case of the poetry therapy.
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