Pathopsychology is what? Experimental methods of pathopsychology

Pathopsychology is one of the specific branches of science. The data obtained during the studies within this discipline have great theoretical and practical significance. Let us consider in more detail the basics of pathopsychology.

general characteristics

In the modern scientific environment, there is some confusion of different concepts, incorrect use of certain terms. In this regard, there is a natural need for a separation of pathopsychology and psychopathology. The latter is considered a branch of medical science. It is focused on the study of syndromes, symptoms of diseases of the mental system. Within the framework of this discipline, various kinds of violations and their mechanisms are studied. Pathopsychology is based on the patterns of structure and development of the psyche in the norm. It explores and compares the disintegration of personality traits with the normal course of processes. Thus, both these sciences have similar objects of study, but different subjects.

Tasks

Pathopsychology is a science aimed at obtaining additional information about a patient's condition. In particular, his study is subject to his cognitive activity, emotional-volitional sphere, personality as a whole. This information is necessary for the diagnosis. Experimental methods of pathopsychology allow us to identify many signs of violations, establish their structure and relationship with each other. Another important task, which is solved within the framework of discipline, is to conduct research for examination (judicial, military, labor). In the process of such a procedure, a specialist can establish the structure of violations and their correlation with the saved aspects of the psyche activity or conduct differential diagnosis. Such a study entails certain difficulties. They are primarily due to the patient's interest. In this regard, the patient can minimize the manifestations of violations, strengthen them or even pretend to avoid responsibility or to obtain disability. Another problem solved by pathopsychology is the study of changes under the influence of therapy. In such cases, the same sets of receptions are used. With repeated research with their help, the dynamics of the state are established, the effectiveness of treatment is determined.

Additional functions

In recent years, experimental pathopsychology has been used to solve two additional problems. The first is connected with rehabilitation measures. During their conduct, specialists pay great attention to the discovery of the safe sides of the patient's personality and psyche. In addition, the social environment of the patient, the nature of relations with other people, educational and labor facilities are studied. The task of such a study is to develop recommendations that would facilitate a more rapid rehabilitation. The second independent function of specialists is their participation in psychotherapeutic activities. Here, however, it is worth noting that the question of the participation of a doctor in them is not sufficiently regulated at the legislative level.

Development of science

As an independent industry, pathopsychology began to form at the beginning of the 20th century. The most clear ideas about the subject of science are reflected in Bekhterev's works. In his opinion, pathopsychology is a process of studying abnormal manifestations at the initial stages of the formation of the system. The institute, organized by Bekhterev, taught various courses. At the same time, a clear line was immediately made, which shared pathopsychology and psychopathology.

Domestic figures

From the very beginning, the development of the industry was based on strong natural-science traditions. Formation of principles and techniques was carried out under the influence of Sechenov's works. He attached special importance to the links between psychology and psychiatry. Bekhterev succeeded Sechenov along this path. He is considered the founder of the pathopsychological branch in psychological science. Representatives of his school developed a variety of methods for researching the mentally ill. Even today they are widely used in discipline. The main research principles were formulated:

1. Application of a set of techniques.
2. Conducting a qualitative analysis of mental disorders.
3. Individual approach.
4. Comparison of the results of studying patients with information about healthy persons according to gender, age, cultural level.

Child pathopsychology

Before the work of Zeigarnik appeared in science, it was believed that, in a number of neurotic diseases, the patient's behavior began to shift to a lower level, which reflects a certain stage in the development of the child. Based on this concept, many scientists have tried to identify the correspondence between the process of personality decay and the specific stage of childhood. For example, Kretschmer approached the thinking of a schizophrenic to adolescent development. In 1966, at the 8th International Congress of Azhureiager (a Swiss scientist), he defended the view of a layered mental disintegration from the highest to the lowest forms. Such conclusions were based on a number of observations:

1. In some diseases, patients lose the opportunity to carry out complex varieties of activity. Together with this, they retain simple skills.
2. Some forms of behavioral disorders and cognitive activities resemble the actions and thinking of the child.

Luria, Zeigarnik, Rubinstein: pathopsychology and biological patterns

The data of these researchers concerned violations of thinking, reading and writing in patients with vascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, who had brain injuries. Based on the information received, a new point of view was justified. It consisted in the fact that the course of mental illness is influenced by biological patterns. They can not repeat the principles and stages of development. Even when young, specific brain departments are affected by the disease, the patient's psyche does not acquire the structure of the child at an early stage of development. The fact that the patient is unable to reason and think at a high level indicates the loss of complex forms of cognition and behavior. But this does not mean that he is returning to the children's stage.

Myasishchev's theory

She also played an important role in the development of pathopsychology. According to theory, the human personality is represented as a system of relationships between a person and the world around him. Such interactions are distinguished by a complex structure and are expressed in mental activity. The disease introduces changes and destroys the formed system of relations. These disorders, in turn, can provoke the disease. Through this kind of contradiction, Myasischev investigated psychoses.