The Practice of Dynamic Psychiatry

Abstract

Dr. Masserman has always been active in research as well as in clinical activities and, like many other psychiatrists, has developed his own formulation of the nature of emotional illness, which he presents with great facility. This book follows a previous volume called "Principles of Dynamic Psychiatry," in which he elaborated a theory of biodynamics, correlating concepts of behavior into a comprehensive system. Now he includes his theory of Ur-defenses (a group of commonly held beliefs that protect from fear and anxiety) to explain aspects of conduct. Insights gained from animal experiments are also presented. The volume discusses the psychiatric examination and reaction types, although a large portion is devoted to therapy— a wide range of subjects is listed in the index under therapy. There is a chapter that deals with the type of reports that should be presented to medical and nonmedical personnel. A detailed account of the historical