Child Psychiatry in the Soviet Union: Preliminary Observations

by Nancy Rollins

Overview

In the first extensive American study of child psychiatry in the Soviet Union, Dr. Nancy Rollins explains that her aim is two-fold: to expand knowledge of the theory, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders of children and adolescents and to stimulate a professional dialogue. Her attainment of this goal is clearly evidenced here by means of her astute assessment of the findings of her four-month visit to Russia as an individual investigator on the Medical Cultural Exchange program. The author's basic concern about the relationship between a society's child-rearing practices, character formation, and psychiatric disorder propelled her to ponder such questions as: Is there a describable difference between the Soviet conscience and the American conscience, as it develops during the years of childhood and adolescence? What about the problems of sexual identity in the two societies? Identity crises? Why have Soviet psychiatrists and educators remained so consistently anti-Freudian?

In addressing herself to the various questions that intrigued her, Dr. Rollins first considers the history of Soviet psychiatric thought, with the major influences shaping the direction of Soviet child psychiatry and the social perspective with personal impressions of Soviet culture and society. Ensuing chapters, based upon first-hand observations and case material, take a close look at such topics as the organization of psychiatric services, diagnosis, general treatment methods, special psychotherapy, research, and psychiatric training programs. The author's reactions to the people she encountered in children's psychoneurological hospitals, polyclinics, sanatoria, and research institutions contributes a lively dimension to this impressive work.

The study points out some differences between Soviet and American treatment methods; for example, Soviet treatment aims at inducing peace and relaxation in the patient, whereas American methods encourage exposure to and mastery of conflicts and tolerance of anxiety. Dr. Rollins also offers suggestions for further study and reflects on the relation of psychiatry and culture in the two countries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674423244
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	02/05/1972
Edition description:	Reprint 2014
Pages:	313
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.06(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Foreword by Mark G. Field

Preface

I. Historical and Social Perspectives
The Historical Perspective

Prerevolutionary Influences

The Early Postrevolutionary Period

The Thirties: Decade of Terrorism

Post-World War II and the Contemporary Scene

Some Trends and Paradoxes

The Social Perspective

The Soviet Child and His Environment

Child Psychiatry and Soviet Culture

Implications for Mental Health and Illness

II. The Organization of Psychiatric Services

General Structure of Children's Psychiatric Services

The Psychoneurologist in Ambulatory Practice

Psychiatric Hospitals

Special Services

Some Aspects of Prevention

III. Diagnosis

Classification

The Concept of Residual Organic Brain Damage

The Concept of Rheumatic Involvement of the Central Nervous System

Schizophrenia

Other Psychoses

Neurotic Reactions

Anorexia Nervosa

Age Peculiarities and Transitional Growth Periods

Personality Disorders

The Contribution of Psychology

Summary and Conclusions

IV. General Treatment Methods

Medication

Physical Therapy

Regime

Role of the Educator

A Special Therapeutic Program for Speech Disorders

Work Therapy

Conclusions

V. Special Psychotherapy

Suggestive Psychotherapy

Rational Psychotherapy

Some Comparisons

VI. Training Psychiatric Personnel

Higher Medical Workers: Levels

Training Centers for Child Psychiatry

Cycle of Specialization: Psychoneurology

Ancillary Personnel

Some Implications for American Training

VII. Research

Some Studies of Childhood and Adolescent Schizophrenia

Some Studies of Childhood Epilepsy

Some Studies of "Borderline States"

Conclusions

VIII. Conclusions

Suggestions for Further Study

The Social Environment and Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatry and Culture

Appendices

I. Institutions Visited

II. History of Child's Development

III. Grouping of Psychiatric Disorders

IV. Case Studies

References

Index