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Child psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the UK National Health Service: an historical analysis

Elizabeth Rous1, Andrew Clark

  • 1Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK. libby.rous@nhs.net

History of Psychiatry
|May 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Child psychoanalytic psychotherapy in UK Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is not declining. Despite challenges, the field is evolving scientifically, not showing signs of a fading paradigm.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Investigates the trajectory of child psychoanalytic psychotherapy within the UK's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
  • Addresses concerns regarding interventions lacking an evidence base.
  • Examines the historical context from the National Health Service inception.

Observation:

  • Literature review conducted chronologically.
  • Analysis focused on identifying signs of a declining paradigm.
  • Considered threats to child psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Findings:

  • No significant, consistent decline in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy was identified.
  • The field faces various challenges but persists.
  • Evidence suggests the profession is developing a stronger scientific profile.

Implications:

  • Child psychoanalytic psychotherapy is not a declining scientific paradigm.
  • The field's scientific development warrants further attention.
  • Supports continued research and evidence-based practice in child mental health services.

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