SYNOPSIS
This paper is a theoretical and methodological dissertation on the concept of crisis intervention as an instrument of primary prevention; appropriate current literature is reviewed. The concepts of crisis are discussed briefly, and a concept emphasizing the intrapsychic state of the individual is proposed. The relevance of crisis with its period of disturbed functioning and its potential immediate and long-term sequelae for mental and physical health and social adaptation is reviewed.
The concepts of crisis intervention are explored and dealt with. Each is looked at from the aspects of epidemiologically established basis, forms of intervention, both actual and hypothesized, and methodology of evaluation of effectiveness.
