[Psychodynamic aspects of the epileptic experience]

The authors deal with the problem of epileptic manifestations from a psychodynamic point of view. The complex aspects of "mind-body" relationship are pointed out. Starting from Freud's theory, several interpretations of the epileptic experience are reviewed. A special attention is drawn to Bion's theory of "protomental apparatus". The authors conclude that it is possible to integrate neuro-physiologic data with psychic aspects of the phenomenon, through a search of its roots in the early phases of Self-setting.