Psychotherapeutic Approaches Research Articles

Book Review: Climate, Psychology, and Change: Reimagining Psychotherapy in an Era of Global Disruption and Climate Anxiety; Bednarek, S., Ed.; North Atlantic Books: Berkeley, CA, USA, 2024; ISBN: 979-8889840817

“Climate, Psychology and Change” offers a profound exploration of the psychological ramifications of the climate and ecological emergency (CEE), proposing a paradigm shift in psychotherapy to better support individuals and communities grappling with environmental distress. The book critiques the prevailing hyper-individualized and neoliberal societal framework, advocating for a decolonized, systemic psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes interconnectedness across species and that challenges human exceptionalism. It outlines four psychological phases that individuals may experience in their environmental consciousness journey, epiphany, immersion, crisis, and resolution, highlighting their non-linear and systemic nature. This work underscores the importance of understanding distress within its broader social and ecological contexts and addresses the profound inequalities and injustices exacerbated by the CEE. With contributions from diverse psychological and non-traditional backgrounds, it introduces concepts like ‘ubuntu’, advocating for community-focused resilience practices. The book calls for a re-evaluation of psychotherapeutic practices to include communal and nature-connected approaches, offering innovative solutions like climate cafes and social dreaming. It presents a critical yet hopeful vision for the role of psychotherapy in navigating the challenges of the CEE, urging a rethinking of our relationship with the planet and each other, making it an essential read for those seeking to align psychotherapeutic practice with the realities of our changing world.

Компьютерная игромания несовершеннолетних как психологическая проблема

Introduction. Today, information and communication technologies maximize the simplification of life and work of mankind. This also affected the younger generation which received new and exciting means of amusing leisure in the form of computer games of various genres. Excessive passion and total immersion in the virtual game world can result in the formation of addictive behavior. Recently, this problem has become popular and is relevantin the context of preventing the addictive behavior in young people, the growth of such manifestations as school shooting, cyberbullying, suicidal behavior, etc. In this regard, there is a need to conduct research on the problem under consideration in order to further build effective preventive activities. The purpose of the study was to comprehensively examine the main signs, causes and conditions for the formation of minors’ computer game addiction. Methodology, methods and techniques. The study was based on modern scientific, methodological and socio-psychological methods for studying minors’ computer addiction. The methods of rising from the abstract to the concrete, comparative studies and axiological interpretation were applied in the study. The results of the study indicate the relevance of this topic in the light of rapidly developing information technologies. The analysis of the social and psychological features of the formation of computer game addiction in minors was carried out, and the causes of this type of addiction were specified. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the analysis of researchwithin the study of addictive behavior, as a result of which the main reasons for the formation of computer game addiction in minors were identified. Practical significance. The results of the work can fill the existing gap in the study of this topic and become an aid in the further development of comprehensive research in order to prevent the formation of addictive behavior in minors. For example, important and promising areas within this topic are: the study of age and gender characteristics of psychological dependence on computer games; the study of diagnostics of minors’ computer game addiction; selection of effective psychotherapeutic techniques and methods for dealing with game addicts.

Невербальная синхронизация и альянс в экспозиционной психотерапии детской тревожности: анализ единичного случая

<p style="text-align: justify;">Exposure therapy (ET) has been shown to be effective in working with anxiety disorders in children. In the Russian literature, there are few protocols of ET, and no effectiveness studies have been found. Contribution to the effectiveness of work with anxiety is conditioned by the alliance between psychologist and client, as well as by the phenomenon of temporal attunement of physiological and behavioral parameters of two or more people during their interaction (interpersonal synchrony). This article presents the results of an observation of the dynamics of anxiety symptoms, psychologists' alliance, and synchrony at the behavioral level in a single case analysis of an intensive five-day ET intervention with child anxiety. It was found that high alliance scores and their positive dynamics, as well as the psychologist's adjustment to the client's movements, were observed simultaneously with de-escalation of anxiety symptoms. In addition to these findings, the article provides a detailed description of the research program and recommendations for researchers of the psychotherapeutic process and psychologists-practitioners.</p>

Эффективность психокоррекционного воздействия методами имагинативной психотерапии при идиопатическом бесплодии

<p>The article provides results of research into the impact of psychosomatic factors on successful conception in patients with idiopathic infertility who undergo treatment in the department of infertile marriage and ART of the Ural Research Institute of Maternity and Child Care. Infertility-related psychological targets and their correction by imaginative psychosomatic psychotherapeutic techniques can be a way to provide a solution to the infertility problem. A method to reduce the effect of distress hormones on the target reproductive function body organs was developed and tested. This method is rooted in the knowledge of neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive processes. The psychotherapeutic correction was based on the approaches of emotional-figurative therapy as a way to reduce the extremeness of living conditions while undergoing infertility treatment. Psychodynamic indicators of socio-psychological maladaptation, volitional tension, behavior constructiveness in distress situations, psychovegetative coefficient of ergicity were selected as the effectiveness criteria.</p>

Teleological links between Philosophical Counselling and Logotherapy

This paper will indicate the methodical and subject tangents between philosophical counselling on the one hand, and logotherapy – a psychotherapeutic direction developed in the middle of the last century by the Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist Viktor Frankl – on the other side of the evaluation spectrum. Three main points will be settled in the focus of the elaboration. The first is a technique of the Socratic dialogue, special characteristic of both approaches set forth in the title of this presentation. Yet we can also comfortably say – of almost all psychotherapeutic schools and techniques. With an emphasis on maieutic as the basis of the psyche-hermeneutic process – dynamic disclosure of the person’s essence and its intentional telos. The second point refers to reaching the meaning and purpose of a person as the intentional core. The third point is aimed at reaching the spiritual dimension of the person, viewed as a teleological synthesis and reachable aim of the both approaches. In conclusion, the paper will be put forward that now it is a fruitful time for the therapeutic relationship on the global scene to return to its philosophical foundations methodologically and subjectively. Opening the doors for providing and spreading the “philosophical spirituality” as the global paradigm, enabling humanistic encounter and the philosophical dialogue on the wide global horizon.

Grammar, cohesion and the co-ordination of the “self” in a current psychotherapeutic technique

Abstract This paper aims to show how concepts and analytical methods of systemic functional linguistics can work congruently with other human practices to improve outcomes for those undergoing the suffering around loss of meaning and the absence of purposeful, self-directed experience. Based on a two-decade collaboration between linguists and psychotherapists in Sydney, Australia, and using the tools of text linguistics as developed by Michael A. K. Halliday and Ruqaiya Hasan in systemic functional theory, the paper presents an indicative selection of intense exchanges between traumatized persons and therapists (centrally the experience of ‘Ruth’). The level by level linguistic descriptions of these exchanges offer opportunities for understanding how progress in the clinical interaction might be achieved. The descriptions can also be evaluated against the theoretical claims of psychotherapy in psychiatry – in particular, the emphasis of the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy developed in England and Australia by Robert Hobson and Russell Meares, whose characterization of disorders involves an emphasis on ‘co-ordination’ and ‘cohesion’ within frontal lobe activity of traumatized patients. In this way the paper also explores conceptual parallels and intellectual antecedents shared between the Conversational Model and Systemic Functional Linguistics, contributing to the broader intellectual history of the human sciences.

IMPROVing Spontaneity: Gestalt Therapy Perspective on Improvisational Theater as a Therapeutical Intervention

ABSTRACT This article outlines the theoretical background for improv-therapeutical processes and interventions found in the contemporary theory of the Gestalt therapeutic approach. Although there is a growing number of studies reporting on the potential of improvisational theater in psychological well-being and psychotherapy, few of them explore theoretical parallels with existing psychotherapeutic approaches. This article proposes that the roots and paradigms of improv theater and Gestalt therapy are epistemologically close and explore how concepts specific for relational Gestalt therapy—understanding of self as a process in the phenomenological intersubjective field, an aesthetic approach to mental health, and the notion of creative adjustment—could contribute to the understanding and empowering of the therapeutic processes found in improv theater. The theory proposes that nurturing creative and spontaneous processes in improv possibly contributes to the healthy functioning of the self and, therefore, enhances healthy contact with the environment.

The effectiveness of group art therapy in a clinically heterogenous sample: Randomized controlled trial

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of group art therapy on different measures of both therapeutic processes (group cohesion and art therapy-related emotional regulation) and therapeutic outcomes (self-esteem, social state self-esteem, and distress) in a clinically heterogenous sample. This is a pretest-posttest control group design with a random allocation of participants, i.e., randomized control trial. The sample consisted of 160 patients (68.75% female) aged 14 to 73 years (M = 43.19, SD = 14.06; nART = 87, nTAU=73). Participants completed self-report measures of distress (depression, anxiety, and stress), self-esteem, social state self-esteem, group cohesion (GCQ), and self-expression and emotion regulation in art therapy (SERATS). The group art therapy lasted for six once-a-week sessions were 90 min long. GCQ and SERATS have unidimensional factor structures. The results showed that art therapy has statistically significant positive effects on group cohesion, self-esteem, and social state self-esteem, and lowering effects on anxiety as compared to active treatment-as-usual. Moreover, self-expression and emotional regulation during art therapy increased in the art therapy group. The measures of mental health outcomes and psychotherapeutic processes are meaningfully related in the art therapy group. In conclusion, this study presents some novel evidence for the benefits of art therapy.

Dexmedetomidine as an Emerging Treatment of Agitation in Psychiatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Acute agitation occurs in a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions and is the clinical presentation in a significant percentage of urgent psychiatric episodes, requiring prompt and effective intervention. Traditionally, agitation was managed in psychiatric wards using physical restraint. With the advent of tranquilizing neuroleptics, such as chlorpromazine, the pharmacological management of these conditions became possible. Acute agitation, although a potential result of most psychiatric disorders, is often associated with psychotic conditions, mood disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. The authors propose to explore dexmedetomidine as a therapeutic option in states of acute agitation in psychiatric patients in which traditional drugs are not effective. The authors based the work on a non-systematic review of the literature. Keywords used included: dexmedetomidine, acute agitation, rapid tranquilisation, restraint, sedation, psychiatric population and psychiatric disorders. Recently, a significant step forward in methods of treating acute agitation has been achieved through the use of dexmedetomidine in psychiatric patients. It is a selective α2‐receptor agonist being approved for short‐term sedation with the benefit of not having excessive sedation, thus allowing a concomitant psychotherapeutic approach. This proves to be a promising treatment option for those with acute agitation. The amount of studies available on its usefulness in psychiatric mental illness are still scarce. The interventional recommendations in the literature for agitation were developed based on research data, theoretical considerations and clinical experience, however, studies that provide definitive data are needed. It is imperative that the investigation of episodes of acute agitation and their restraint evolve, in order to protect these patients from the consequences of this behaviour and its treatment. Exploring the potential of dexmedetomidine as a tool in the mental health professional’s kit is well deserved as there are few alternatives that reassure the highly agitated patient without excessive sedation.

Exploring treatment specifics of addictive disorder in a young adult living in a post-war middle income country with rapid social and cultural transition: a qualitative case report

IntroductionAddictive disorder, characterized by the tendency to abuse an illicit substance or manifest a repeated risky behavior, is a fairly common phenomenon occurring in the last 50 years, predominantly in middle and high income countries. While psychotherapy has an evident positive impact in the treatment of the disorder, data has shown that it is often not sufficient to achieve full remission and have optimal positive impact in the quality of life compared to simultaneous use of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to highlight different specifics of the inpatient treatment of “Mr. E”, living in a post-war middle-income country with rapid social and cultural transition.MethodsSubject of this case study is “Mr. E” a 17 year old student with a history of family trauma with a long history of abuse and ambulatory psychiatric treatment. Data has been analyzed from the medical history of the patient treated in 2023, in the substance abuse unit of the Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Kosova. Semi structured interviews, daily abstinence symptoms evaluation and self - report measures were used to gather qualitative data throughout the treatment process. Treatment protocol consisted on: detoxification, pharmacotherapy and simultaneous supportive individual and group psychotherapy, with the goal to evaluate, treat and reintegrate “Mr. E” into the society free of illicit substance abuse. Comorbidities are correlated with underlying causes, while a healthy lifestyles are promoted through the work on behavior changes that will support optimal social reintegration in a rapid changing social and cultural environment.ResultsThe findings revealed several significant therapeutic objectives such as: Enhanced self – awareness; Reduced ruminations and increased self-control; Enhanced quality of life; and Decreased substance abuse. Detoxification protocol in the treatment of addictive disorder in inpatient psychiatric treatment was essential for abstinence symptom management during crisis. Strengthening the body parallel to healing the mind was found as an important stepping stone.ConclusionsCombined, detoxification, psychopharmacological, and psychotherapeutic approach was essential for successful treatment of a young adult in a post-war middle income country with rapid social and cultural transition.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Online psychotherapy as a first clinical experience during the Covid-19 pandemic: A new generation of psychotherapists in the digital age

The temporary closure of the Outpatient Psychotherapy Clinic at the Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna during the Covid-19 pandemic demanded an immediate and unexpected reaction to assure further psychotherapeutic services. Both psychotherapists and patients were forced into a rapid transition to online psychotherapy. While Covid-19 research has comprehensively described challenges of online psychotherapies, we were interested in learning specifically how early stage psychotherapists-in-training, who started their clinical work with patients exclusively in the online setting, experienced this unprecedented clinical situation.Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with psychotherapists in training. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The analysis revealed how psychotherapists in training were able to cultivate a set of early-training resources and competencies in the online therapy setting without evidence-based guidelines from supervisors and the institution. This study highlighted the necessity of incorporating specific and novel educational input that is necessary for achieving specific online skills in the early training phase. Recognizing that the therapeutic landscape has undergone an irreversible transformation, the data suggest that distinct techniques are necessary to equip early-training psychotherapists for the now commonly practiced alternation between online setting and in-person setting in psychotherapeutic processes.

Exploring Transference in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Empirical Study of Facial Resemblance and Emotional Valence.

Transference is a psychological process where feelings and attitudes towards a familiar person are unconsciously redirected to another. This phenomenon can be activated by physical resemblance, including facial features. Despite its potential therapeutic significance, little research has investigated transference processes in individuals with psychiatric conditions. Here, we explored how patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD)-characterized, among other features, by unstable relationships, self-damaging impulsivity, and suicidal ideation-would exhibit transference of negative and positive attributes. We performed an experiment where BPD participants and a control group with no prior psychiatric history completed a face-rating task. The task involved an evaluation of images of strangers who resembled significant others in terms of facial features. Our results indicated that transference effects were elicited in both groups. Notably, there were significant differences in ratings assigned to significant others, whereby participants with BPD displayed transference of negative attributes more and positive attributes less intensely than healthy controls, which, in part, correlated with attachment anxiety. Our findings align with the tendency in BPD to perceive interpersonal relationships and emotions more negatively. They have potential implications for psychotherapeutic approaches in treating patients with BPD and our understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of BPD itself.

Harmonizing and Contrasting Psychotherapy Approaches: Case Presentation

AbstractVarious psychotherapeutic approaches could be used for the assessment, formulation, and treatment of the same case. It is of great importance to include cultural evaluation and empathetic reformulation in psychotherapy applications. This case presentation illustrates a female patient in her thirties who was consulted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic with depressive symptomatology, which presented after a psychosocially stressful life event. Following a detailed clinical evaluation, psychotherapeutic treatment was planned with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. In this case presentation and subsequent discussion, the case-specific advantages, along with standard and differing aspects of different psychotherapeutic methods and treatments, will be evaluated.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Addressing negative symptoms of schizophrenia in a Psychosis Day Hospital: a case report

IntroductionNegative symptoms are present in more than two thirds of schizophrenic patients throughout the evolution of the disorder. These include symptoms related to reduced motivation or pleasure, such as avolition, anhedonia and asociality, and reduced expressivity, including alogia and blunted affect.We present the case of a 24-year-old man who was admitted to our Psychosis Day Hospital after several psychotic episodes, presenting with prominent negative symptomatology that was imbued with mystical delusional beliefs.Objectives1)To describe the clinical particularities of this case, focusing on the improvement of negative symptoms during the course of treatment at our Day Hospital.2)To review the available evidence regarding the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. MethodsA review of the patient’s clinical history and complementary tests were carried out. Likewise, we reviewed the available literature in relation to the management of negative symptoms of schizophrenia in an ambulatory setting.ResultsThe patient was admitted to our Day Hospital after four psychiatric hospitalizations due to mystical delusions, ideas of grandiosity and hyper-spirituality, along with prominent negative symptoms at the moment of inclusion at our centre, including social withdrawal, diminished affective response, lack of interest in the academic sphere and poor social drive. Although previous positive symptoms were present in a lesser degree, the patient interpreted the presence of the negative symptoms described above as a “punishment” or “test” from spiritual creatures.Management of negative symptoms represents a major unmet need in schizophrenia. Modest effect size evidence for pharmacological approaches favours the use of antipsychotic in monotherapy and augmentation of antipsychotic treatment with other agents, such as antidepressants. Scarce evidence regarding psychotherapeutic approaches to these symptoms points to the use of cognitive behaviour therapy and social skills training.Conclusions-Clinical identification and characterization of negative symptoms is crucial when treating patients with schizophrenia, as these are associated with important disability and poorer functional outcomes.-Differentiation of primary and secondary negative symptoms is a key aspect in the evaluation and management of schizophrenic patients.-This case outlines the coexistence of positive and negative symptoms, and illustrates the challenges in the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management of these symptoms at a Psychosis Day Hospital.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Analyze the factors that influence the therapeutic response to psychic trauma

IntroductionPsychic trauma profoundly affects a person’s confidence in himself and others. There is a sudden experience of helplessness, loss of control, fear for one’s own life, and the humiliation of having been violated. The victim may run out of internal and external reference elements.ObjectivesDescribe the factors that influence the development of Post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing traumatic experiences.MethodsReview in the literature of the different factors that influence the subject’s response to the traumatic experience.Results1)Predisposing and precipitating factors:–characteristics of the traumatic evento: severity of the stressor agent: dose-dependent, Characteristics of the same: sudden, prolonged, repetitive, intentional; decrease the ability to control the situation and develop effective coping strategies; they question basic cognitive schemas; the symbolic meaning of the traumatic evento.–characteristics of the person (predisposing factors of vulnerability): genetic-constitutional vulnerability, adverse experiences in childhood, previous traumatic events: increased vulnerability, personality characteristics, recent stressors or life changes, inadequate support system, use of alcohol, perception locus control more external than internal, pre-existing psychiatric symptoms: neuroticism, anxiety, depression, critical ages of development: time of greatest vulnerability (11-16 years).2)Perpetuating and empowering factors: sharing traumatic events, seeking the logic of the facts, rupture of affective ties.3)Elements of Resistance: tendency to selectively remember the positive elements in autobiographical memory, acceptance of a certain dose of uncertainty in life, perceiving themselves as survivors, perception of the stressful stimulus as less threatening, Less physiological reactivity to stress, use of humor, positive emotions counteracting during the traumatic process.4)Elements of Resilience: ability to extract and assimilate positive elements from negative situations.ConclusionsTrauma threatens 3 basic assumptions of life: the world is good, the world has meaning, the self has value. The knowledge of these mentioned factors allow a better psychotherapeutic approach to Psychic Trauma.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Multidimensional assessment of personality disorders using different theoretical models: a comparison of the Young Schema Questionnaire, the SCID-5-AMPD structured diagnostic interview, and the PDS-ICD-11 self-report questionnaire

IntroductionThere has been a recent shift in the conceptualisation of personality disorders in diagnostic systems such as DSM-5 or ICD-11, from a categorical approach towards a dimensional approach reflecting severity in general or severity of dysfunction and related pathological traits. In addition, several psychotherapeutic approaches work with their own model of personality pathology, which similarly capture symptoms of personality disorders and their underlying processes in a more subtle way from multiple aspects, and along different constructs.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to investigate similarities and differences between conceptualisations of personality disorder and instruments used for evaluation based on the BNO-11 Personality Disorders Severity Questionnaire (PDS-ICD-11), Module I. of the Structured Diagnostic Interview for the DSM-5 Alternative Personality Model (SCID-5-AMPD) measuring level of personality function, and the Young Schema Questionnaire assessing early maladaptive schemas.MethodsHospitalized borderline patients were assessed using the Young Schema Questionnaire, the PDS-ICD-11, and Module I. of the SCID-5-AMPD assessing personality function level. Data are analysed using correlation and linear regression models.Results Only part of the results are shown. The PDS-ICD-11 Severity Index and Self-function Index showed significant (p<0.05) and strong correlations with the Abandonment (r=0.98, r=0.94), Vulnerability to harm and illness (r=0. 92, r=0.98), Insufficient Self-Control (r=0.91, r=0.88) and Negativism/Pessimism (r=0.95, r=0.90) schemas. The mean score and all domains of the SCID-5-AMPD Module I (level of personality function) showed significant strong correlations with the Vulnerability to harm and illness schema (AMPD-Average r=0.87; AMPD-Identity r=0.86, AMPD-Objectivity r=0.81, AMPD-Empathy r=0. 77, AMPD-Intimacy r=0.80, p<0.05); moreover, a strong significant correlation was found between the Abandonment schema and AMPD-Average (r=0.81, p<0.05), AMPD-Identity (r=0.98, p<0.05), and AMPD-Intimacy domains (r=0.77, p<0.05).ConclusionsThe main indicators of measures that operationalise a dimensional approach to personality disorders show distinct patterns of strong overlap with some of the maladaptive schemas but cover only a part of the schema domains. For a careful diagnosis and psychotherapeutic plan, the combined use of these measures can provide in-depth and multifaceted information.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Case Analysis of a Patient with Functional Pathological Crying

IntroductionFunctional pathological crying is a complex psychic phenomenon which poses both diagnostic and management challenges to the psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Apart from treatment with medications when clinically indicated, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be useful to understand the aetiology and to address these psychological issues faced by patients.ObjectivesIn this case report, psychodynamic psychotherapeutic techniques are employed to examine and manage functional pathological crying.Ms L was a 33-year-old Chinese single woman who presented with mixed depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with frequent severe bouts of wailing. She had a history of parental neglect and childhood sexual abuse. Following psychiatric assessment, she was diagnosed with Mixed Depressive and Anxiety Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. She was treated with Sertraline 50mg every morning and was referred for psychodynamic therapy.MethodsBuilding trust and rapport with Ms L was crucial so that the therapeutic relationship could be utilized as a vehicle for change through earned attachments. Helping her appreciate how present experiences reflect conflicts from her past and addressing her defence mechanisms with the aims of expression of emotions, exploring her wishes and fantasies to access unconscious conflicts were important. These build greater self-awareness which helped her to develop the capacity for emotional self-regulation, bringing about an increase in her level of adaptation to stressors.ResultsDuring the early phase of therapy, Ms L would be wailing throughout most of the therapy hour. As therapeutic rapport and trust were established, she began to open up about her abuse for us to explore her conflicts and complex emotions associated with it.The key themes that emerged were her chronic low self-esteem with fears of authorities and abandonment, the tendency to take up a defended regressive helpless child-like position whenever feelings related to the abuse were rekindled, as well as the manifestation of these complicated psychic experiences in the form of a complex wailing phenomenon.The functional pathological crying was a mixture of an expression of her challenging conflictual painful feelings, symbolic expression of her cry for help, repressive and regressive child-like emotional states as well as having a defensive function to avoid coming in touch with painful feelings.Through therapy, Ms L was able to make better sense of her wailing, develop the capacity for emotional self-regulation by adopting a healthier adult position in responding to difficult feelings when triggered, learning to forgive herself and others, assume better self-care and improved relationships with others.ConclusionsThrough psychodynamic psychotherapy, complex functional pathological crying can be better understood and managed to bring about intra-psychic and interpersonal functional improvements.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Regarding the implementation of foreign psychotherapeutic approaches in the mental health protection system of the population of Ukraine in conditions of war

Background. The work is devoted to the problem of preserving the mental health of the population of Ukraine. The emergence of stress-related mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, leads to a negative effect on families and communities, problems of mutual understanding, support and recovery. Against this background, there is no doubt about the need to implement the experience of Western colleagues in the mental health care system at all levels of care provision. The purpose of the work is to update the issue of the implementation of foreign psychotherapeutic approaches in the system of mental health care of the population of Ukraine in the conditions of war. Materials and methods. On the basis of the analysis of literary sources and information resources, a modern overview of the problem of introducing modern psychotherapeutic directions into the system of mental health protection of the population in wartime conditions was obtained. Discussion. An analytical review of pathogenetic prerequisites for the implementation of the experience of Western doctors in rehabilitation measures and psychological support measures was carried out. Implementation of strategies aimed at preventing mental illness through education, stress reduction, and development of psychosocial support can help reduce the prevalence of risk factors for the development of mental health problems. Justification of the implementation of Western experience is important for improving the provision of assistance in the mental health system in Ukraine, which will meet modern standards and take into account the peculiarities of Ukrainian culture and society.At the same time, ensuring effective rehabilitation for victims is an act of recognition of their dignity and rights to a full life. Conclusions. At the current stage, Western health care systems emphasize the prevention of mental illnesses through education, stress reduction, and the development of psychosocial support. Implementing these strategies can help reduce the prevalence of risk factors for developing mental health problems. The ability to integrate mental health care into the general medical context is a priority, as it can improve detection of mental illness, provide a comprehensive approach to treatment, and reduce stigmatisation in the society. Focusing on the scientific basis is a priority, because the proven base of Western approaches to the issue of maintaining mental health is based on scientific research and effective methods.

Psychotherapeutic approaches: hopefully, globally effective.

Many patients have lasting disorders due, for example, to excessive and chronic childhood stress. For these patients, certain psychotherapeutic approaches may be maximally effective, and this may be universally the case. This piece is intended to give providers optimal tools for reaching and helping these patients who, otherwise, may remain among those worst off. These interventions should enhance patients' trust, the quintessential precondition for enabling these patients to change. Specific interventions discussed include anticipating ambiguity and clarifying this before ambiguity occurs, therapists indicating that they will support patients' and families' wants over their own views, feeling and disclosing their emotions, validating patients' anger, laughing, going beyond usual limits, explaining why, asking before doing, discussing religion and ethics, and informing whenever this could be beneficial.

Psychotherapy for surgery-related psychiatric symptoms

This work aims at giving some insights into the psychological implications of surgery and at proposing psychotherapeutic approaches to mitigate perioperative stress and long-term psychiatric sequelae.