RESISTANCE OF PSYCHIATRISTS IN TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of psychiatrists and psychiatry residents in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, area toward treating alcoholics. Replies to a questionnaire returned by 46 practicing psychiatrists and 35 residents in psychiatry show positive correlation between the therapists'' feelings of frustration, anger and inadequacy when dealing with these patients and reluctance to treat them. The use of "poor prognosis" as a reason for not treating the alcoholic is explored. Methods of treatment, sources of motivation and referral practices are discussed, and some statistically significant differences between the attitudes and treatment practices of psychiatrists and residents are pointed out. The therapists in the study expressed greater willingness to treat alcoholics than those therapists studied by Hayman in 1956.

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