Editorial

Psychoanalytic theory is neither capable of resolving all of man's problems nor even offering clear routes towards this goal. As a therapy, psychoanalysis is severely limited to a particular segment of human disorders in a significantly small section of the population and therefore could never be an answer to the therapeutic needs of the massive problem of mental illness. However, this does not minimize the validity of the use of psychoanalytic techniques and theories in the treatment of this small segment of the population.

It is a priceless and unique tool for attempting to understand the intricacy of the details in human development and behavior. Because of its intense focus on the minutia of human interactions and its limited concern with adjustment and amelioration of symptoms without the clarity and insight that will instruct us towards better theory building, it seems to lack the virtues of those weapons, namely drugs and physiological devices which appear to make a broader attack on the behavioral excesses. We are now witnessing the spin off or such ameliorative therapies in the revolving door syndrome and the community concern for discharged but non-functioning ex-patients. These therapeutic modalities served significantly in relieving much human distress but have not supplied the expected etiological contributions towards a greater understanding or the origins of these disorders. Consequently in spite of the limited application of intensive psychodynamic treatment for the neuroses and psychoses this treatment modality should not only continue but should be actively supported both in private practice and in those institutions which are energetic exponents of these therapies.

In terms of training, psychoanalysis is invaluable as a discipline for comprehending the uniqueness of man and the complex experiences that participate in his development. No system or theoretical formulation is as capable of comprehending man's experiences as psychoanalytic theory. Howev