[Psychotherapeutic crisis intervention in ambulatory general practice]

Psychotherapeutic crisis intervention is the term used for intervention implemented by the doctor dealing with a subject experiencing a mental crisis. Every doctor should be able to make this intervention. The authors recommend to apply the procedure they summarize in the following seven paragraphs: 1. The first step assisting a subject in mental crisis is to ensure conditions for an undisturbed talk; the patient should be received as somebody in whom we have personal interest. 2. We try to direct the interview quickly to the situation which has arisen and we concentrate on the patient's experience, we try to understand his problem and its causes. 3. If necessary, we engage the assistance of persons close to the patient, we mediate medical, social or legal assistance. 4. We consider the possibility of suicidal behaviour and select adequate preventive measures. 5. In indicated cases we offer short-term assistance by means of psychopharmaceutical preparations. 6. If the patient is motivated for another interview and the case calls for this cooperation, we offer it. We reach agreement on the time, frequency and approximate number of interviews. In the latter it is useful to proceed according to principles of non-directive psychotherapeutic talks. 7. If stabilization of the mental condition is achieved, we terminate after agreement with the patient the intervention. If the problems are rather "inside" the patient, we refer him for psychotherapeutic treatment.