Dynamics
Psychotherapy is largely based upon a dynamic view of psychiatric (and
some physical) illnesses. Although the word dynamic suggests activity
where psychiatric symptoms arise, conflict often leads to a stalemate.
Such a conflict might be between the drive to assert oneself and to make
no trouble. The object of psychotherapy is to resolve the conflict and,
in doing so, relieve symptoms and help the person function more
effectively. This is achieved through words exchanged between the patient
and the therapist, and the relationship which forms between them.
Dynamic factors are important in old age psychiatry. Pitt (1982) identified
dynamic factors in thre