This book presents the proceedings of the of the conference on the Psychoanalytic Therapy of Severe Disturbance held in Belfast in June 2008. The aim of the conference was to offer a state of the art communication of the key psychoanalytic thinking and approaches to the conceptualisation and treatment of severe disturbance. The result of a unique gathering of the most eminent psychoanalysts in the field with insights into their work on personality disorder, psychotic states and the nature and function of suicidal ideation.This book will be of interest to mental health professionals - psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers and nurses who have an interest in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.