1892-1949
The "Interpersonal" Theory of Psychiatry

A "National Resource."

The Importance of Social Factors.

Treating Schizophrenia.

Sullivan believed personality and personality disturbance were a function of interpersonal relations. Unlike Freud, he insisted later periods, especially adolescence, were as critical as the first five years for personality development. Since he believed mental illnesses were a "problem-solving" reaction to an unbearable situation, Sullivan insisted schizophrenia, no matter how bizarre, could be treated. He is recognized as the psychiatrist who removed schizophrenia from the class of incurable disorders, unlike Freud, who believed schizophrenia was untreatable because his "talking therapy" was useless with people who could not communicate rationally. Sullivan's contributions to the technique of clinical interviewing pioneered efforts to understand and help the severely disturbed. Sullivan was also the first to suggest that the therapist could be a greater participant in helping the patient cope with his behavior...