Psychodynamic and general psychotherapeutic aspects of the treatment of depressive patients
Wolfersdorf, M.; Vogel, J.
Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis 79(11): 318-325
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 1013-2058 PMID: 2315586 Document Number: 359890
Successful approach to depressed patients demands some knowledge of psychodynamic mechanisms in depressive patients according to a basic understanding of depression as a biological and a psychological disorder. Departing from such a point of view some important aspects of understanding and coping with depressives are the following: 1. Therapy of the depressed means communication. 2. Because of a deficiency in the development of emotions and self-esteem in childhood and youth depressives have a tendency to need very close symbiotic relationships and also tend to develop high standards in work efficiency and ethic norms. 3. Closeness and empathy, benevolence as well as patience and interest in the patient import and demand communicative partnership, valuation of collaborative efforts and form the basis of a therapeutic relationship. 4. Dangers lie in playing down and thus depreciation or in overdramatization. 5. Prolonged work with depressed patients requires supervision, acquisition of psychosocial competence and collaboration in Balint-groups.