SPECIFIC FEATURES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH NEUROTIC AND PSYCHOTIC ADOLESCENTS WITH SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

The author defines self-destructive behaviour of neurotic and schizophrenic adolescents as violation of social development and as a loss of spiritual and moral values that leads to social disadaptation and personal dysfunction. While the self-destructive behaviour with neurotic disorders could be regarded as pseudo-compensational mechanisms there still exists the view that self-destroying behavior of schizophrenics is endogeniously caused. The author does not support any pessimistic view towards the understanding of those patients. His clinical observations show that for both neurotic and schizophrenic adolescents with self-destructive behaviour psychotherapy especially in small mixed groups proved to be the most successful treatment method. The author describes differences as well as common aspects concerning the treatment of neurotic and schizophrenic adolescent patients. Establishing communication 2nd stimulating the emotionality and social activities is particularly important in the treatment of schizophrenic patients. The author pleads for a common solution of the social problem of these adolescent patients by teachers, welfare personell, law protecting services and medical specialists.