The psychotherapy of mania.
Focal dynamic psychotherapy with acute manic patients has been a neglected treatment modality. In young adults with sound premorbid personalities and well-developed ambition systems, focal dynamic psychotherapy is useful in the manic stage; it shortens the process of elaboration of major conflicts related to self-image and self-ideal. Three young Israeli soldiers' case material is discussed in whom, due to different growth constellations, the hope to serve in the army in specific capacities had been a central motivating and consolidating factor in their personality development. Their confrontation with the realities and frustrations of military life caused them to react with a manic syndrome which brought them to treatment. Therapeutic insight led to the reshaping of their ambition to a more adaptive level.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept