Am J Psychiatry 1979; 136:1071-1073
Copyright © 1979 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychoanalytic teaching in medical education
GA Melchiode
The author sent a questionnaire to directors of medical student education
in psychiatry to determine the role of psychoanalytic concepts in medical
education. Practically all of the 66 respondents indicated that
psychodynamic theory had been incorporated into major required courses.
More than half considered the concepts of defense mechanism
countertransference, transference, and dynamic unconscious necessary to
general education. The author concludes that psychoanalytic principles will
continue to provide a unique view into illness behavior and the
doctor-patient relationship.
