[Morita therapy--a Japanese method for treating neurotic anxiety syndrome]

In Japan, the traditional Morita therapy is indicated for "shinkaishitsu" personalities, i.e., patients with neurotic anxiety disorder, especially with phobic and hypochondriac symptoms. The substantial theoretical basis and therapeutic principles were taken from Zen Buddhism, such as the development of the ego in the "space" between subject and object, the unity of body and soul, the distinction of inner and outer nature, and the principles of emptiness and nothingness. The treatment consists of an initial 7-day period of strict and isolated rest in bed followed by step-by-step occupational therapy and final reintegration into job and family. The founder of this therapy, Morita, sees the healing of the patients not in the removal of their fears but in the inner acceptance (arugamama) of the fears they have experienced--corresponding to an essential principle in Zen Buddhism. Nowadays, the method is used in a modified form adjusted to the change in mentality of Japanese patients.