Survey of Abreaction Use In Psychiatry In Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Abreaction use had been quite robust in the early twentieth century among Psychiatrists. However present day practice appeared to pay little emphasis on its use or training.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine exposure and use of abreaction in Psychiatry in Nigeria among Psychiatrists and trainees in Psychiatry.
Methods: Consultant Psychiatrists and trainees in Psychiatry in Nigeria were recruited at different fora for the present study. Twelve Psychiatrists seven senior registrars and 54 registrars in Psychiatry participated. Exposure or previous use of abreaction was assessed. In addition, relevance of abreaction in present day Psychiatry was also assessed SPSS version 16.0 was used for analysis of data.
Results: The study suggested that many of the consultants had previously watched (45%), assisted (41%) or used (58%) abreaction procedure in the past. In addition, some (66%) of the consultant Psychiatrists were of the opinion that abreaction is still relevant in present day psychiatric service However, more of the senior registrars were less exposed to abreaction watched (29%), assisted (29%), or use (0%) and many of them had negative attitude to the procedure (43%).
Conclusion: Abreaction use appeared to be disappearing in clinical armamentarium of modern psychiatric practice. There would be need to encourage its use among consultant Psychiatrists and its training among the resident doctors.

Key Words: Abreaction, Nigeria, Psychiatrists, Psychiatry.