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No one can deny the influence that Freudian analysis has had on twentieth-century psychiatry.Its widespread acceptance suggests that it is an entirely valid and acceptable form of treatment in mental disorders.Nevertheless, there are many sceptics, and a book attacking the ". . .gigantic cultural swindle of American people . .." is of importance to the historian who wishes to evaluate the major concepts in the evolution of medicine.The author, a clinical psychologist, has gathered together the criticisms of psychiatrists and others.He believes that when Freud's theories and their application to therapy are subjected to close examination they do not measure up to scientific standards; he even maintains that Freud always found what he was looking for in a patient, and, in the case of sexuality, badgered him until its influence was eventually admitted.He therefore compares Freudian arguments and techniques with those of the magician-priest, the Inquisitor and the modem brain-washer.Concerning the last of these the author writes, ". . .Freudian claims are built on pretences and specious reasoning and they end in a process that greatly resembles brainwashing in its essential feature. . .." Tus it employs totalitarian persuasion techniques, suggestion, pre-conceptions, hypnotic reinforcement, speculation, scientifically unreliable evidence, and antidemocratic approaches; it is accepted as a pseudo-religion, but has harmful effects and encourages irresponsibility.Dr. Jurjevich's book presents a welter of well-documented evidence supporting his thesis.Three further volumes extending his attack on Freudism are in preparation.However, this attack can be criticized for using the very arguments the author levels against psycho-analysis.For example, at times he presents unscientific material and there seems to be an over-riding antagonism and bias throughout.Moreover, from the historical point of view a cogent comment can be made.The influence of psycho- analysis today is comparable with that of phrenology in the first half of the nineteenth century.Both appear to be pseudo-sciences, each with a vast following of medical men and laymen, and each has been brought into disrepute by the over- enthusiastic labours of the founders' followers.However, the basic idea underlying phrenology was the localization of function on the surface of the cerebrum.Gall was correct in this, but for totally incorrect reasons, his theory being based on data that were not scientifically valid.Thus before dismissing psycho-analysis entirely, we should remember phrenology and make sure that we are not overlooking some fundamental psychiatric concept, and throwing out the baby along with the brain- washings!
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