Characteristics of psychological support system of psychiatric patients

Abstract

The research was based on Berger's theoretical analysis of post- Freudian psychotherapeutic orientations. He pointed out four categories as the most important: Bio-energetic, socio-interactive, cognitive and existential, which are connected with manifestations of personality dysfunctions. These categories represent basic personal supports of body, belonging, thinking and belief system through which person develops psychological support system and establishes relationships with others. We assumed that dysfunctions of these basic references are connected with different categories of psychiatric patients and provide possibility to determine type and aim of psychotherapy approach. The group of 60 persons were examined. They were divided into groups of 20 depressive, 20 schizophrenic and 20 neurotic patients (based on DSM-III- R criteria). There was applied grid-technique specially constructed for the purpose of research. We analyzed differences of strength and structure of psychological support system of the examined groups relative to personal importance, level of satisfaction, difficulties, support from others and personal initiative.