The use of psychoanalytic theory and technique on the medical ward.

In recent years an increasing number of psychoanalysts and psychoanalytically oriented psychiatrists have entered the field of general hospital psychiatry. Not only do psychoanalytic principles help in understanding the patient and his reaction and interaction, their application in a consultation also has therapeutic benefits. These therapeutic aspects are often not appreciated. This paper demonstrates the value of applying psychoanalytic concepts in consulting on medical patients in the hospital setting and, concurrently, explores some obstacles to the application of these concepts.