The psychotherapy of mania

Focal dynamic psychotherapy with acute manic patients has been a neglected treatment modality. In young adults with sound premorbid personalities and well-developed ambition systems, focal dynamic psychotherapy is useful in the manic stage; it shortens the process of elaboration of major conflicts related to self-image and self-ideal. Three young Israeli soldiers' case material is discussed in whom, due to different growth constellations, the hope to serve in the army in specific capacities had been a central motivating and consolidating factor in their personality development. Their confrontation with the realities and frustrations of military life caused them to react with a manic syndrome which brought them to treatment. Therapeutic insight led to the reshaping of their ambition to a more adaptive level.