The advantages of formulation over categorical diagnosis in explorative psychotherapy and psychodynamic management

In neurosis and personality disorder, formulation is a clearer guide to aetiology, prognosis and treatment than is categorical diagnosis. Diagnosis and formulation have different and complementary functions. The formulation is an essential component in explorative psychotherapy but also has wide application in psychodynamic management. The content and the making of a formulation are described. the value of a psychodynamic approach in decision making, and in choosing between explorative psychotherapy and psychodynamic management, is illustrated by case examples.