[Reactualization of the concept of unitary psychosis introduced by Joseph Guislain].

This paper reminds the concept of a unitary nosological and pathogenic process that may be traced back to Joseph Guislain (1797-1860). The "phrénalgie initiale" was regarded as the initial stage of psychic illness by Guislain (Leçons orales, Ghent, 1852). That vision inspired the work of Wilhelm Griesinger (1817-1869) who further elaborated the concept of "Einheitspsychose" (Psychose unique--Unitary psychosis). That concept partially inspired Emil Kräpelin (1856-1926). Current classification systems like ICD-10 and DSM-III-R attempt to synthesize different views and the concept of unitary psychosis is actualized in the contemporary transnosography.