ATTITUDE THERAPY

Prepared by: JOEL N. NEBRES,RN

ATTITUDE THERAPY

Therapeutic aim:
“It is essential that all persons who came in
contact with the patient should maintain a
UNIFORM ATTITUDE”
One nurse must not be “SOLICITIOUS” and
another “INDIFFERENT”. Since the system
of treatment for the patient is based on
CONTACT with many different members of
the psychiatric team
 The attitude assumed towards a patient is
probably more important than any
particular activity
There is no reason to believe that the
manner in which we say things and the
atmosphere created through our attitude is
actually more impt. Than what we say or
do.
Many patient react to our feelings and
manners much more than they do to our
words
5 BASIC ATTITUDES
PRESCRIBED FOR
PSYCHIATRIC CASES
1. KIND FIRMNESS
Also called the anti-depressant regimen
Prescribed- to most difficult attitude to
learn
Purpose: The insistence upon
ungratifying work is to help the client
turn his hostility outward
 A depressed client will be put to work
counting little seashells into a cigar box.
Every time he got distracted and less
count, he is told to start all over again.
It usually takes three to four days or
something longer-he will angrily spill those
shells on the floor- if he will not pick them
up-he is ready to come OFF the
antidepressant regimen
 The works give the client some muscle action
and something to focus on besides his own
miseries
Never let him do anything that he wants to do
If he talks to the nurse the nurse reply but
point out that he is here to work and not to
talk
A patient whose primary symptom is
depression has a great deal of internalized
HOSTILITY
2. ACTIVE FRIENDLINESS
Prescribed for withdrawn, apathetic
patients usually schizophrenic
These people have no anger but simply
withdrawn, without energy to fight
Treat them with active, tender loving
care- “your shoelace needs tying I will do
it for you”
 3. PASSIVE FRIENDLINESS
For patient who are paranoid
Remember: do not move too close to this
kind of patient
Do not do anything unless the pt ask for it
 4. MATTER OF FACT
Manipulative patients to satisfy their own sick
needs
impatient in life
Teach them to grow and meet their
responsibilities
They will be given a program that needs to be
followed
The pt may make endless SOMATIC complaints
Consistency of attitude among all staff
members is especially important
5. NO DEMAND
Patient is in genuine, furious rage
Must explain the rules and limitations to
self- done in precise, cautious manner
without showing any demanding attitude