A Model of Inpatient Large Group Psychodrama

Lee, Hoo Kyeong; Yoon, Sung Chul; Kim, Sun Jae

Abstract

As an alternative to group psychotherapy, worked out by Dr. Moreno, the psychodrama is being carried on mainly for a large group of inpatients at 40-50% of the country's psychiatric and training hospitals. The authors have developed a Korean psychodrama model for a group mental health having following characteristics:(1) a one-time treatment, (2) open-group therapy, and (3) structured, large group approach. Korean psychodrama model was proved to be a low cost, highly effective approach in that patients could be dealt with en masse to quite a satisfactory degree: at the same time Korean psychodrama model is easily accessible for any psychiatric doctor or trainee in dealing with a patient. In addition, Korean psychodrama model is highly conducive to experiencing and training related people in psychotherapeutic practice as this model has shown up 79.4% approval rate among patients after treatment. Due to the recent crunch in medical insurance financing, psychotherapy is changing from individual long-term type to a more time-limited type. Despite the mental health law passed in 1995, from the human psychotherapy standpoint, the worsening economic situation has made it difficult for a psychiatrist to deal with patient on a one-to-one basis. As a result, the burden of most psychiatrists, is snowballing day by day. In this context psychodrama seems to be a promising, reliable alternative to group psychotherapy, both medically and economically. It will be a treatment modality for years to come.