Psychodynamic Psychiatry in the Philippines.

The authors describe the practice of psychodynamic psychiatry in the Philippines. They review features of contemporary psychodynamic psychiatry, the state of psychodynamic psychiatry in training programs, and its integration in national professional societies. Despite psychodynamic psychiatry's wide acceptance in the professional community in the Philippines and neighboring Southeast Asian countries, delivery of care to over 110 million residents of the archipelago requires creativity given the small number of psychiatrists. The authors discuss how psychodynamic psychiatry impacts the national mental health scene and propose future directions involving forging international linkages.

Examining the competency of Filipino mental health professionals in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Psychodynamic psychiatry forms the fundamental theoretical frame of reference for psychodynamic psychotherapy and related therapies using psychodynamic concepts. Over time, it faced questions about its empiricism, evidence base, cost-effectiveness, and fitness to the medical role. Although recent studies have reaffirmed its effectivity in mainstream medicine, its clinical practice in the local setting raises questions about the Filipino psychiatrists' systematic understanding and orientation to it, and signals a call for action. METHODOLOGY: Attendees in the UP Philippine General Hospital - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (UP PGH-DPBM), 13th Post-Graduate Course on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, participated in an informal survey to generate hypotheses on the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Filipino mental health professionals regarding psychodynamic psychotherapy. One hundred eighty-two (182) respondents answered the survey and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among the respondents, about 30% practiced psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in equal parts, 15% practiced mostly psychodynamic psychotherapy and 15% practiced mostly CBT, while the rest were either unsure or practiced other forms of psychotherapy. Most agreed that psychodynamic psychotherapy required scientific rigor and remained applicable, but were divided on treatment frame and boundary setting, approach selection, and specific concepts and techniques. In terms of perceptions and attitudes toward psychodynamic psychotherapy, most respondents displayed positive attitudes and interest in the intervention, but did not highly regard their own competence. These findings steer psychodynamic psychotherapy research toward the systematic review of the competence of trainees and practitioners, the standardization of its education and training, and its applicability in a cultural context of limited resources.

PPA: Programs, policies and action - taking on the challenge of the future

For 1998, the PPA Board adopted a comprehensive program to empower psychiatrists to respond to the increasing demands on and broadening concerns of psychiatrists. All activities were tailored to fit the theme "Taking on the Challenge of the Future." Goals and strategies were articulated and functioned as guidelines for the relevance and coherence of activities to the overall theme. The PPA Board notes that its program was implemented as designed. For making this possible, special mention goes to PPA members, the pharmaceuticals and our secretariat. The incoming PPA Board can continue the gains made this year, improve attention areas and implement the plans designed this year Moving into the next millenium, anticipating the next twenty-five years, the PPA faces the critical task of facilitating change for itself and its community. Hopefully, this years program has empowered him to take on the challenge of the future.