[Status of indications and therapeutic interaction in dynamic psychotherapy and standard analytic treatment?]

The present study concerns itself with the factors that are important in making an indication-based decision for either dynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. In keeping with the interactional approach of our group, we have considered not only certain characteristics of patients but also particular initial relational patterns in the meeting between therapist and patient that lead to the establishing of indications. Examination of patient characteristics shows that older patients with less education are more likely to enter into dynamic psychotherapy but that therapists tend to be skeptical about the prognosis for therapeutic cooperation. With regard to the interaction of therapist and patient, the following specific contact and relational readiness among patients undergoing dynamic psychotherapy could be determined: These patients emphasize their autonomy by means of an over-compensatory stance in which they reject regression, thus presenting themselves as less needful of help. The therapist reacts to this stance by offering a shorter course of treatment with limited goals and less subordination to an established setting. In the case of psychoanalysis, the situation is reversed. This study further analyzes the elements of personality structure and socio-demographic background behind the relational offer of the groups indicated for treatment. A group of patients for whom there are no indications for psychotherapy is drawn upon for purposes of comparison.