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Protein extract as a surrogate mother
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9070, USA.
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Brief dynamic psychotherapy (BDP) effectively treats patients with complex needs, even when provided by therapists in training. This approach fosters personal growth and improved coping mechanisms for individuals facing significant life challenges.
Area of Science:
- Psychotherapy
- Psychology
- Mental Health Treatment
Background:
- Patient presented with psychosomatic symptoms linked to early childhood deprivation.
- Symptoms included anxiety related to responsibility and fear of abandonment.
- Patient used a "protein extract" bottle as a coping mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of brief dynamic psychotherapy (BDP) in treating a patient with complex needs.
- To assess the impact of BDP on patient's anxiety differentiation and coping strategies.
- To explore the role of resident therapists in delivering BDP to challenging patients.
Main Methods:
- A 21-week course of brief dynamic psychotherapy was administered.
- Therapy was conducted by a resident therapist in training.
- Patient's progress was monitored through therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- The patient demonstrated increased ability to differentiate anxiety sources.
- New, more mature coping mechanisms for stress were developed.
- Patient relinquished the coping mechanism (protein-extract bottle) and became more active in life.
Conclusions:
- Brief dynamic psychotherapy can yield significant improvements in patients not meeting ideal selection criteria.
- Resident therapists can be effective in delivering BDP to difficult patients with appropriate supervision.
- BDP facilitates personal growth and enhanced stress management in patients with complex histories.