The role of the photographic arts in psychiatry

Abstract

Photography is a medium that has historical roots in psychiatry. It is an art form that shares some concepts with psychodynamic psychotherapy and can also provide psychotherapeutic value. In addition, it can provide a means of stress reduction for the burned-out clinician. Photographs can also be utilised for educational activities to stimulate reflection and discussion.

Keywords:

• Photography
• humanities
• visual arts
• psychoanalytic theory
• stress
• therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the contributions of Josepha Cheong, M.D. in formulating and moderating the original presentation.

Declaration of interest

The three authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.