How did Karl Jaspers use phenomenology in psychopathology?

Karl Jaspers introduced phenomenology into clinical psychiatry as a method for the direct investigation and description of phenomena as they are consciously experienced by a patient.1

At the time, Jaspers observed that psychiatry lacked a systematic framework, often focusing on biological or sociological influences while neglecting the patient's subjective experience. By applying phenomenology, he sought to describe symptoms without relying on preconceived theories regarding their causal explanations. This approach allowed for a more precise description of mental states, which facilitated the recognition of symptoms across different cases.1

Jaspers synthesized these methodological insights in his seminal work, General Psychopathology, which established his reputation as a leading researcher. His work was distinguished by its critical evaluation of various psychiatric methods and its effort to integrate them into a cohesive scientific structure.1