[Reconnaissance: theoretical construction of social change]

Analysing individual reactions--omnipotence or helplessness--to the question put forward in this symposium, the author observes that the same reactions are present in the mental health field. Investigation of these reactions shows that they alternate in time and are based on a quest for recognition. This quest follows a pattern: First, a group proclaims new knowledge which is based on a fantasy. Then, when this group obtains recognition with its corresponding power, making the transition from a position of impotence to one of power, the fantasy becomes an illusion of omnipotence which excludes others, triggering the cycle again in the excluded groups. This pattern could explain the evolution of the mental health field over the last four decades. Over the last few years, however, there have been some failures in this process, and the author suggests possible solutions to move beyond the impasse.