Conceptual (or cognitive) psychiatry—a field which has so far been relatively neglected-is described in three of its major branches.The importance of conceptual life in the psychodynamics of the human being has been reaffirmed. Man is not motivated only by physiological needs and primitive wishes. The conceptualization of one's self, his family and the world at large may become powerful psychodynamic forces.Cognitive psychiatry studies all forms of cognition, especially thinking disorders which occur in psychiatric conditions and their relation to psychodynamic factors.Finally, conceptual psychiatry is viewed as a science which may offer levels of generalization applicable to other disciplines, such as general system theory, language and creativity.Abstract Teaser