title: The current status of psychodynamic formulation.
abstract: In this paper, we examine the current status of psychodynamic formulation in psychiatric training and clinical practice. A survey of residency training directors confirms the presence of a general belief in the central importance of formulation but the absence of a clear definition or systematic guidelines. We review the literature and propose a definition of psychodynamic formulation, distinguishing it from isolated hypothesis or focus, diagnosis, case history and interpretation. We then present a systematic but flexible format for formulation and illustrate it with two case formulations.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003479:Curriculum; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000193:education*