[Heuristic and empirical approaches in psychiatry]

Scientific investigations with their realistic orientation have brought about an increase in our knowledge about details in psychiatry. Despite these gains, their actual contribution to psychiatric cognition has been modest. They have been unable to conceptually grasp the role of personal components which are decisive for our discipline. They have also been unable to produce those connections which organize what is supposed to be the object of our concerns. The psychopathological reflections which are employed here rely on the heuristic approach. The example of idiopathic, and especially, the affective psychotic syndromes, makes clear the need to apply heuristic approaches.