The Value of Psychoanalysis as a Therapeutic Procedure

For the past twelve years we have referred various of our patients to accredited psychoanalysts. Our experiences form the basis of this report. The psychoanalytic movement has had a widespread influence on human thought and conduct. Not only have Freud's monumental contributions influenced modern medicine and related sciences such as psychology, sociology and criminology but they have also been reflected in the seven arts. The internist has a pragmatic interest in psychoanalysis apart from the point of view of general culture. He seeks to define the indications for and the limitations and results of this new therapeutic procedure. Before detailing our data, terms must be defined. One must state (a) the qualifications for a psychoanalyst; (b) a conception of what constitutes an analysis, and (c) a description of the type of clinical material referable to the psychoanalyst for the analysis. THE PSYCHOANALYST—HIS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS It is our opinion that