CLINICAL-PSYCHOLOGY IN SOVIET-UNION

Pathopsychologists [clinical psychologists] play an important role in the Soviet psychiatric services, but their role is limited in that they are excluded from participating in the treatment of patients. This limitation (considering the doubtful diagnostic value of testing) would be regarded as an unacceptable waste of psychotherapeutic potential in the West. Soviet pathopsychological tasks seem somewhat old-fashioned, and do not meet the methodological requirements of Western tests. Many originate from prewar (particularly German) psychological theories (Gestalt psychology), and the 12 yr of political curtailment, the deplorable lack of scientific communication between East and West, and the ideological restrictions still operating have not helped the development of Soviet clinical psychology.