The clouded crystal ball: a 35-year follow-up of psychiatrists' predictions.

In 1946-1949 psychiatrists examined in depth more than 200 students from four first-year medical school classes and predicted their future adjustment. Judging by the former students' replies to a questionnaire in 1981-1982, the psychiatrists' favorable predictions were for the most part borne out, whereas the unfavorable predictions were much less likely to have been realized. The psychiatrists appeared to have overemphasized the significance of the psychopathology they discovered and to have underestimated the potential of many of these young adults for spontaneous personality change.

Severe, chronic hypochondriasis. 1. A practical method of treatment.

Management of severe, chronic hypochondriasis can be both frustrating and time consuming for the primary care physician. The approach described here is based on recognizing and, within defined limits, meeting the patient's need for a secure and sustained relationship. Prevention of hypochondriasis is discussed in part 2, which begins on page 149.

Severe, chronic hypochondriasis.

Successful treatment of severe, chronic hypochondriasis requires the physician to focus on life situations rather than on symptoms and to set firm limits on time spent with the patient, as discussed in part 1, page 139. Part 2 discusses preventive measures aimed at curtailing hypochondriacal tendencies early in their course--obviously preferable to treatment after the condition is well established.

Psychiatry in 2001.

In the year 2001, the status of psychiatry is viewed through the experiences and thoughts of a hypothetical psychiatrist and a hypothetical family physician. Psychiatry is continuing its explosive progress in brain physiology and psychopharmacology, but has backed away from studies and practice in the psychosocial field. As practice patterns change and more outpatient psychiatric care falls into the purview of the family physician, the two physicians see a need for ever more collaboration between their specialties. A greater commitment by family medicine to psychosocial training and research, especially in areas such as physician-patient and physician-family relationships, is urged.

Psychiatric interviews and psychological tests as predictors of medical students' success.

Psychiatric interviews carried out during the first year of four medical school classes of the University of Chicago School of Medicine (now Pritzker School of Medicine) during 1946 through 1949 were found to be statistically significant in predicting the students' graduation. However, the number of "false negatives" was high; that is, a large number of students predicted not to graduate did graduate. Psychological tests--consisting of personality, interest, and intelligence tests--were not statistically significant in predicting graduation. Neither the interviews nor the tests correctly predicted the students' mental or physical health or their occupational or marital adjustment as of 1982, as measured by replies to a questionnaire from more than 90 percent of the students in the original study who could be located. There is some subjective evidence that moderate degrees of anxiety, immaturity, and compulsivity are not associated with failure to complete medical school but that passivity, withdrawal, and weak motivation are. Although psychiatric interviewing of applicants is not now feasible because of legal restrictions, some of the findings of the study reported here may be useful for admission interviewers and as a basis for further research.